SL VS BAN 1ST T20I

Right then, Sri Lanka win back-to-back in Pallekele, one being the series-clinching win in the final ODI, and now a lead-taking win in the first T20I. Next up, we move to Dambulla for the 2nd T20I, where Bangladesh will be looking to bounce back and level the series against a buoyant Lankan team. That game will be played on Sunday, 13 July and will begin at 1.30 pm GMT. However, you can join us a lot sooner for the build-up. Cheers!

Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan captain, starts by saying that he decided to bowl first, given the history. He says that in the LPL, chasing sides won a lot of games batting second and with the fast outfields and shorter boundary dimensions, it’s easier to chase. On Jeffrey Vandersay's performance, he says he is there on the bench most of the time, because of Hasaranga, and hence credit to him to deliver in the absence of Hasaranga. He adds that it’s a good headache for him and the team to have two quality leg spinners. He finishes off by saying it was a complete game for them and maybe they would look to improve on their fielding.

Litton Das, the Bangladesh skipper, says that the toss didn't matter much and the wicket did look but a few balls were keeping low. Adds that it has been a feature of the last 7-8 games that they are losing wickets rather than building big partnerships. Reckons that they have a good bowling side and they were under-par and even someone like Taskin can have an off day. Goes on to applaud Rishad Hosain for the way he bowled.

Kusal Mendis is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning knock. He starts by saying that Bangladesh did well to get to 150. He felt their batting innings started really well as Pathum Nissanka got off to a flyer, and it helped him to get going. He adds that the wicket was slow and took some turn later on, so after getting off to a flyer, he slowed down a bit in the middle overs. Ends by applauding the crowd that came to watch the game in large numbers.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to field first, unlike the ODI series, where he batted first in the game played here. However, it was a rollicking start from the Bangladeshi openers with Parvez Hossain Emon looking in devastating touch. But once Nuwan Thushara got the first breakthrough, it all started to slow down gradually for Bangladesh. The Lankan bowlers used the slower ball effectively and the spinners were tough to get away. Mohammad Naim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz fought hard for Bangladesh and they just about managed to get over the 150-run mark.

Bangladesh seemed down and out for the count but the Mehidy Hasan Miraz and then the introduction of Rishad Hossain started to pull things back. Wickets also came and the Lankans couldn't find the fence but 83 runs in the Powerplay, that was the telling factor as the hosts were always well ahead and riding high on Kusal Mendis' 73 off 51 balls, they managed to get over the line with an over to spare.

155 is what Sri Lanka needed for the win but they began the Powerplay as if they were chasing a total in excess of 200. Pathum Nissanka and especially Kusal Mendis bludgeoned the ball to all parts of the ground and added 78 runs in just 4.4 overs when Nissanka got out. Things looked well in control in the first half of the chase but it all started to slow down.

Sri Lanka start the T20I series exactly from where they left off in the final ODI game and on 'poya day,' a public holiday in Sri Lanka and in front of a jam-packed Pallekele crowd, the hosts have taken a 1-0 lead in the T20I series. Bangladesh have a lot to ponder upon after an underwhelming showing here.

SIX! Sri Lanka go 1-0 in the 3-match series! That's a shot and a half and a worthy hit to finish off the game! Slower full ball moving away on middle, Charith Asalanka stands still in his crease and tonks this one way over long on for a biggie. SRI LANKA WIN BY 7 WICKETS!

Full toss on off, pushed down to long on for a single.

Full on middle leg, almost a yorker. Asalanka digs it out as he plays the flick onto his pads and towards short mid-wicket. Singl taken.

Full slower delivery moving away, outside off, Asalanka is already through the slog as he is deceived by this slower delivery.

Short ball aimed at the body, Asalanka ducks under it as he lets this one go.

Fullish ball on middle, Fernando flicks this one wide of short mid-wicket for a single.

Full on off, Fernando drives this to mid off and sets off for a quick single. The mid off fielder fires in a throw at the non-striker's end and misses as Fernando eventually gets home safely. Oh, a direct hit would have been interesting.

Full on middle, Avishka flicks this one to short mid-wicket.