Sri Lanka comprehensively defeated Bangladesh by 7 wickets in the opening Twenty20 International of the three-match series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, a short while ago.

Chasing a target of 155 runs, the Lankans chased down the total in 19 overs to claim a 1-0 lead in the series.

Experienced Kusal Mendis top scored with 73 runs in 51 overs.

In the process, Mendis also notched up his 16th T20I half century.

While chasing 155 for victory, Sri Lanka were off to a flyer, thanks to openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, as they brought up their 50 in just 3.1 overs. Nissanka, who was batting brilliantly on 42, played a total of 16 deliveries before opposition spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz sent him back to the pavilion.

Before getting dismissed, Nissanka had already smacked five boundaries and three maximums to power his side to 78 in 4.4 overs. Mendis continued to attack, as Bangladesh were always under the pump during the right-hander’s stay at the crease.

By the end of the power play, they had already 83 runs on the board, following which Kusal Perera arrived at the crease. Perera, the one-down batter, struggled as he could not get off, playing a scratchy 24-run knock off 25 deliveries, putting pressure back on the home side after a brisk start.

After the loss of Perera, opener Mendis continued his muscular attack and smacked five boundaries and three maximums to play a wonderful 73-run knock of 51 deliveries to take Sri Lanka on the cusp of victory. Mendis was sent back by Mohammad Saifuddin in the 18th over, as Lankan Lions were just seven runs away from victory.

Despite a crushing start, Sri Lanka’s skipper, Charith Asalanka, and Avishka Fernando found it tough in the centre, as they couldn’t really get going. With just limited runs needed, they kept their heads steady in the end. Fernando scored 11 off 17 deliveries, while Asalanka scored 8* off 5 deliveries with a six to his name to help Sri Lanka gather victory in the first T20Ih, as they won with six deliveries to spare.

Earlier, Sri Lankan bowlers restricted Bangladesh to 154/5 in their allotted 50 overs.