DHAKA: Indomitable Bengal Tigers presented yet another precious gift to Bangladeshi nation on the occasion of the 47 independence day blowing out Lankan Lions by 90 runs in their own backyard. It was the first of three matches ODI series. Put into bat on day night match at picturesque Rangiri Stadium Dambula tigers blasted its way to a massive 324/5 in allotted 50 overs. Tamim was phenomenal scoring yet another match winning 127, Shakib teamed well with his mate plundering 72, young Shabbir set the tone earlier scoring 54. Lot of fire still remained intact in Mosaddeq, Mahmudullah, Miraj and Mashrafee in store when allotted 50 overs expired. This was the only third 300 plus score on the ground, previous two were incidentally against Bangladesh. Once that score was reached Bangladesh with high quality balanced attack started dreaming for the win.

Sri Lankans in response found it extremely steep chase after charismatic Mashrafee struck in the very first over trapping Gunathilaka plumb in front. His charges Mustafiz (3/ 56) Mehedi Miraj (2/43), Taskin (1/41), and Shakib (1/33) grabbing wickets at regular interval let go the home side as far as 234 all out. The destination remained 90 runs too far. It was only the second Bangladesh ODI win against Srilanka in Sri Lanka.
The manner in which tigers hunted the lions gave enough indications that at business as usual from here should make Bangladesh earn a series white wash. If that happens Bangladesh will elevate to number six in ICC ODI ranking paving the way for automatic qualification for 2019 ICC World Cup scheduled for England.

Expectations of Bangladesh win started taking wins following Bangladesh historic victory in its 100 test at P Sara Stadium Colombo. In the last meet of teams Bangladesh lost against Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup group match at MCG in 2015. Sri Lankan team has gone through lot of changes with some veterans retiring. The young bunch of Sri Lanka team is no less brilliant. Beating them in their own backyard is always challenging.

Tharanga won the toss and on what looked a perfect batting strip put the tourist to bat. Home team had early success in Lakmal alluring flamboyant Soumya to a lofted shot after scoring only 10. Shabbir joined Tamim looking in his characteristic mood. The pair kept moving smoothly at almost run a ball matching stroke for stroke for their 101 balls 90 runs second wicket partnership. Shabbir was more aggressor in his 56 balls 54 striking 10 boundaries. Tamim was holding the fort mixing dogged defence with brilliant aggression. After Mushfique getting prized out by Chinaman of Shandakan Shakib joined his mate for a match winning 144 fourth wicket partnership taking the match away from the home team. It was eye pleasing batting exhibition where two Bangladeshi greats matched stroke for strokes making Lankan attack looking pretty ordinary. Shakib left after scoring 72 in 71 deliveries trying to force the pace. Tamim scored yet another century 127 in 142 balls laying the foundation for a mammoth Bangladesh total of 324.Mosaddeq and Mahmudullah added 35 in only 11 deliveries showing their appetitive for runs which may follow if they get opportunity later in the series. None of the Lankan bowlers could make any impression on the tourist.

Bangladesh looked fleet footed when they appeared for defending their score. Mashrafee, Mustafiz, Taskin , Shakib and Mehedi perhaps formed the best Bangladesh attack in any format in recent times. Mashrafee like able general struck the first blow removing Lankan opener Gunathilaka on the third ball of the first over. Young Mehedi Miraj sharing the new ball with his captain in his debut match responded to faith in him removing Mendis early. When captains blue eyed boy Taskin struck in his first over having Lankan captain Tharanga caught behind home side was tottering at 3/33 in the 11thover. Chandimal and Gunaratne did some damage control. But experienced Shakib coming to the attack removed Gunaratne sinking the home team further making it 4/87.From there on Mustafiz, Mehedi Miraj took wickets at regular interval. When Chandimal left scoring 59 it was left to hard hitting Perrera to entertain with some attacking strokes. He produced 35 balls 55 with four fours and two sixes. All round Bangladesh bowling attack never lost control. Sri Lanka could go as far as 234 before Mustafiz picked his third wicket. Bangladesh won handsome by 90 runs.

The difference of the performance was so wide that it may take lot of rethinking for Sri Lanka to get back into the three match series. We are not sure when Lasith Malinga and Angela Matthews will be fit again. If Bangladesh can maintain their focus a series white wash of the home side cannot also be ruled out.

Bangladesh celebrates its 47 th independence day today. Win of Mashrafee Tiger squad will add special verve and favour to the occasion.

Score Card:
Bangladesh 324 /5 (Tamim Iqbal 127, Shakib Al Hasan 72, Shabbir Rahman 54)beat Sri Lanka 224 All Out (LD Chandimal 59, NLTC Perrera 55, Mustafiz 3/56, Mashrafee 2/35, Mehedi Miraj 2/43)

Man of The Match: Tamim Iqbal.

BDST: 1051 HRS, MAR 26, 2017
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