Sri Lanka dominated Bangladesh with a massive 328-run win, taking a 1-0 lead in their two-match Test series. The standout performer was captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who was named Player of the Match for his phenomenal consistency, scoring centuries in both innings (102 & 108). The victory was made even easier by Kasun Rajitha, whose five-wicket haul dismantled the batting lineup. Bangladesh's only real resistance came from Mominul Haque, who remained unbeaten on 87, supported by a 33-run contribution from Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by a massive 328 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. Sri Lankan skipper Dhananjaya de Silva received the Player of the Match award for his brilliant batting, hitting centuries (102 & 108) in both innings. Lankan pacer Kasun Rajitha’s five-wicket haul helped the visitors to secure a dominant win with ease. Mominul Haque fought a lone battle for Bangladesh with an unbeaten knock of 87 while Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with a decent 33.
Haque showed grit by facing 148 balls, forming crucial partnerships with Miraz and Shoriful Islam to keep Bangladesh in the game. However, the Sri Lankan fast bowlers were relentless, claiming the final five wickets halfway through the second session on day four. This culminated in Rajitha's second career five-wicket haul, finishing with an impressive 5 for 56.
Rajitha set the tone early on day four, dismissing Taijul Islam LBW with a jagged delivery in the third over. He later ended the match's most threatening partnership by inducing a catch from Mehidy. After lunch, he secured his five-wicket haul with a double strike; Shoriful Islam, who had resisted for 41 deliveries, was caught and bowled attempting a drive. The sequence ended when Khaled Ahmed nicked a brilliant length ball to Kusal Mendis.
The final wicket fell to Lahiru Kumara, who caught Nahid Rana off the shoulder of the bat, sealing a clinical win and one of Sri Lanka's largest ever victories by runs. Notably, the Lankan pace attack took all 20 wickets of the opposition—a feat the team hasn't achieved since the mid-1980s. This total dominance was a testament to both the conditions at Sylhet and the sheer skill of the Sri Lankan seamers.
Bangladesh started the final day in a desperate position at 47 for 5. There was a sense of frustration for the home side, as they failed to push Sri Lanka to their limits, even with rain forecasted for the evening. They were bowled out for 182, nearly mirroring their first-innings total of 188. Their second attempt ended before the 50-over mark, with Mominul Haque being the only batter to score more than 35 or survive for 50 balls.
The two teams will meet again for the second test from March 30 to April 3 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, where Bangladesh will be fighting to win and draw the series level.