Mushfiqur Rahim smashed an 87-ball 84 to help the Tigers post a challenging total in the first ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka Sunday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Riding on his bat, Bangladesh posted 257 for six after winning the toss and won the match by 33 runs. "I stuck to my strengths and took my time. I had to keep one end safe and that's what I did. The finishing touch from Riyad and Afif was superb," Mushfiqur said after the game. "It wasn't an easy wicket to bat on. As Shakib and Liton got out early, there was pressure. Tamim batted well and he allowed me to take my time. And then Riyad was superb. These conditions aren't ideal to play; it's not just hot, the humidity takes a lot out of you but the credit goes to our players," he added. Mushfiqur scored 84, Tamim 52 and Mahmuduallah 54, helping the Tigers overcome the initial batting damage. And Mehidy Hasan Miraz bagged four wickets and Mustafizur Rahman took three to confine the Lankans within 224 runs and seal the game.   This series is a part of the World Cup Super League. The top seven teams of this event will directly qualify for the World Cup 2023. Bangladesh have already played six matches of this event and won three. Sri Lanka played three matches of the World Cup Super League and lost all. The remaining games of the ODI series will be played on May 25 and 28 at the same venue.

Bangladesh won the first match of the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka by 33 runs, defying a strong resistance from Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga Sunday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The Tigers won the toss and posted 257 runs for six after choosing to bat first. In reply, Sri Lanka started well as Danushka Gunathilaka and captain Kusal Perera added 30 runs in the first wicket stand. Just when they started building a solid foundation, Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck. Mehidy, the number five bowler in the ICC ODI ranking, took four wickets conceding 30 runs in 10 overs. Sri Lanka showed some resistance in the sixth and seventh-wicket stands, posting 47 and 62 runs. However, Hasaranga posed the strongest challenge to the Tigers, scoring 74 off 60 balls with six sixes and three fours. The right-handed batsman was guiding the Lankans to a victory which seemed unlikely before he took the field. Hasaranga finally fell prey to Mohammad Saifuddin when Sri Lanka needed 47 runs to win in six overs. The Lankans eventually managed to score 224 for 10 in 48.1 overs. Saifuddin took two wickets while Shakib Al Hasan bagged one and it was his 1000th wicket in the recognised cricket. Earlier, despite losing four wickets for 99 runs, Bangladesh posted 257 runs for six wickets in 50 overs in the first innings after choosing to bat first. Mushfiqur Rahim was the highest run-getter in this game who scored 84 off 87 balls with four fours and one six. Tamim Iqbal hit 52 while Mahmudullah Riyad posted 54 to help the Tigers post a challenging total. In the fifth wicket stand, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah added 109 runs off 122 balls – the highest partnership in Bangladesh's innings. After 40 overs, Bangladesh were batting at 193 for four. They needed to come up with some big shots in the last 10 overs, but the dismissals of Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah made it difficult for the hosts. In the sixth and seventh-wicket stands, Bangladesh added 22 and 27. In the end, Afif Hossain and Mohammad Saifuddin remained unbeaten for 27 and 13 off 22 and 9 balls. Both Liton Das and Mohammad Mithun got dismissed for a duck in this game. For Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva was outstanding with the ball. He bagged three wickets with two-in-two conceding 47 runs. Dushmantha Chameera, Danushka Gunathilaka and Lakshan Sandakan took a wicket each. This series is a part of the World Cup Super League. Bangladesh have already played six matches of this event and won three. The top seven teams of this event will directly qualify for the World Cup 2023. Sri Lanka played three matches of the World Cup Super League and lost all. The remaining matches of the series will take place on May 25 and 28 at the same venue.