Picture Credit: Twitter
The cricket fans were absolutely delighted on Sunday as the first ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka began in Dhaka. As the home side opted to bat first, it was an even contest between bat and ball which was expected to be the case between these two equally competitive sides. After Liton Das and Shakib Al Hasan were dismissed early in the innings, Bangladesh fought back their way into the contest through a vital partnership between their experienced duo of Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim. However, the course of the match changed dramatically in the 23rd over of the innings.
Dhananjaya puts Bangladesh on the backfoot
Sri Lanka's off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva was the pick of the bowlers in the initial part of the innings, having conceded only 5 runs in his first 3 overs. With Bangladesh's score reading 96/2 in 22 overs, skipper Kusal Perera introduced Dhananjaya back into the attack in search of a breakthrough. Much to the delight of the newly-appointed skipper, Sri Lanka got two wickets in consecutive deliveries.
READ MORE: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka 1st ODI LIVE Updates
The off-spinner completely deceived half-centurion Tamim Iqbal as the Bangladesh opener was caught in two minds as the ball struck his pads. It looked quite plumb as the umpire raised his finger instantly to adjudge the batsman out. The 29-year-old continued his impressive bowling and got the new batsman Mithun out LBW off the very next delivery, putting his side in the driver's seat. While Dhananjaya came back in the next over in an attempt to complete his hattrick, he failed to do so. But he had done enough damage as in one over only, the score changed from 96/2 to 99/4 and Bangladesh found themselves in a state of bother.
Watch the wickets here:
Not only did Bangladesh lose two wickets, but they also lost both their reviews after both Tamim and Mithun opted for DRS which went against them. After losing two key wickets in a short period of time, the home side would still be hoping to make their way back into the match as they have a strong lower middle-order.