Nissanka, Mendis power Sri Lanka to commanding win

Pathum Nissanka smashed 42 off just 16 balls 

By M. Shamil Amit

Sri Lanka openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis ran amok as they sent the Bangladesh bowlers on a leather hunt during their chase of 155 runs. The pair laid the foundation for an emphatic seven-wicket win in the first of the three T20 encounters, played under floodlights at the Pallekele International Stadium yesterday. The hosts reached the target with ease in the 19th over to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The Bangladesh bowlers were left helpless as Sri Lanka’s batsmen went on a rampage, accumulating runs effortlessly. Sri Lanka posted 50 runs in just 19 balls, and after adding a further 28 runs to reach 78, skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided the breakthrough, dismissing Nissanka, who scored a blistering 42 off just 15 balls, including five boundaries and three towering sixes. The opening stand of 78 runs came off just 30 balls.
Kusal Perera, who joined Mendis, continued to frustrate the Bangladesh bowlers, as the pair brought up the 100-run mark in good time. During this stand, Mendis reached his half-century off 31 balls, which included three boundaries and three sixes. The duo added 42 runs for the second wicket before Perera was dismissed for 24 off 25 balls, hitting two boundaries and a six. Avishka Fernando then joined Mendis and the two added another quick 28-run partnership before Mendis was dismissed for a well-made 73 off 51 balls, featuring five boundaries and three sixes.
With only seven runs needed at the fall of Mendis’ wicket, skipper Charith Asalanka sealed the win by smashing a massive six off right-arm pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib.