Chandimal lauds ‘outstanding cricket’ after record-breaking chase

Captain Dinesh Chandimal was full of praise for his batsmen as Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh in the first T20I in Dhaka.

Dasun Shanaka (42* from 24) and Thisara Perera (39* from 18) smashed Sri Lanka to victory after a fifty from opener Kusal Mendis (53 from 27) helped them chase down 194 – their highest chase in T20Is.

“We did not think that the wicket will be this good. This was a good toss to lose,” said the winning captain. "The players played some outstanding cricket, especially after the score they put up.

"We had a game plan and we thought we would keep a right-left combination throughout and at the same time we needed a power hitter. Credit goes to Kusal and Danushka, and thereafter Dasun and Perera were outstanding.”

Player of the Match, Kusal Mendis, who had replaced the injured Kusal Perera, said: “Very happy to get these runs. At the start, I wasn't in the XI, but the staff helped me prepare for today's game. I was told to play my normal game – and I did exactly that."

Earlier, Soumya Sarkar (51 from 32 balls) Mushfiqur Rahim (66 not out from 44 balls) and Mahmudullah (43 from 31) impressed, but ultimately their efforts were in vain, as Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to tame Sri Lanka’s thoughtfully-devised batting line-up.

Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah, said: “We were 10-15 runs short but the bowlers did not do their job. Mushi (Mushfiqur Rahim) hasn't played at No. 3 before, but we thought of sending him up. We started well and did well in the middle overs, but credit goes to them – they batted really well. But on a surface like this, if you don't execute your lengths, you will be punished."

The series finale will take place in Sylhet on Sunday.