Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka served a masterclass in crisis management. His fine century set the stage for a 77-run triumph over Bangladesh in the first ODI at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

Asalanka's captaincy was tested from the outset. Sri Lanka had fallen to 29 for 3 in seven overs. Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, and Kamindu Mendis all fell inexpensively. But the left-hand captain responded with intelligent patience under pressure. He built an unbeaten 106 from 123 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes. "It was a challenging time when I came in. I was trying to get my basics right first," Asalanka said.

It was Asalanka's fourth ODI century on this ground. This put him in the ranks of cricket legends Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sanath Jayasuriya. They share the record for most ODI centuries at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

The Bangladesh bowling was led by the returning Taskin Ahmed (4/47) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3/46). They were disciplinarily tactical in the Sri Lankan innings. Taskin's return from ankle injury added much-needed pace attack. The visitors were under constant pressure even though they did not have breakthrough moments apart from the early collapse.

The script of the chase was entirely different when Bangladesh was comfortably positioned at 100 for 1. They then witnessed one of the worst collapses in ODI cricket. Milan Rathnayake's direct hit to run out Najmul Hossain Shanto set off a disastrous chain. Bangladesh fell from 100 for 1 to 105 for 8 within a span of 20 balls. It is the fewest number of runs added between the second and eighth wicket fall in ODI history. It is a reflection of how fragile batting line-ups can be under the pressure of spin.

Wanindu Hasaranga's figures of 4 for 10 in 7.5 overs were complemented by Kamindu Mendis's 3 for 19. Between them, they took advantage of Bangladesh's batting woes in transition. Kamindu's double-spinning ability—bowling both left-arm orthodox and right-arm offbreak—also offered tactical flexibility. Bangladesh's inexperienced middle order was struggling with the pair.

“After a bright start, this innings of Bangladesh is tottering. The skipper goes without scoring,” said the TV commentator after the dismissal of Mehidy Hasan.

Sri Lanka’s strong home advantage in ODI cricket has beaten India, the West Indies, New Zealand, and Australia in recent series. They have a settled team, built on experienced performers and youth. Bangladesh's structural transformation is clear. They are competing in their first ODI since September 2005 without their "Fab Five" veterans. This victory puts Sri Lanka in a good position for a series win.