Mendis, Nissanka blasts Bangladesh for opening win: 1st T20 (Kandy)

Openers Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka blasted Sri Lanka's highest PowerPlay score in T20s as the hosts thrashed Bangladesh by seven wickets in Pallekele.

Invited by Sri Lanka to bat first, Bangladesh were in trouble at 89-4. Mohammad Naim (32* off 29) put on a crucial 46-run stand with Mehidy (29 off 23) to push Bangladesh to 154-5.

In reply, Kusal (73) and Nissanka (42) delivered a breathtaking stand of 78 in just 4.3 overs at the top. Sri Lanka chased down the target an over to spare.

Sri Lanka 159 for 3 (Kusal 73, Nissanka 42) beat Bangladesh 154 for 5 (Emon 38, Theekshana 2-37) by seven wickets.

July 2025.