Bangladesh captain Litton Das did not mince his words after his team were thoroughly outplayed by Sri Lanka in the first T20I in Pallekele on Thursday, suffering a comprehensive seven-wicket defeat.
Put in to bat, Bangladesh failed to capitalise on a promising start, reaching 54-1 at the end of the Powerplay but failing to build on the momentum. A series of sluggish middle-order performances meant they stumbled to a below-par total, with only Parvez Hossain Emon (38 off 22) and Shamim Hossain (14 off 5) displaying any real attacking intent.
Litton, who made just 6 off 11 before falling lbw, pointed to a lack of accountability among the batters.
“It’s not just today’s game, it’s been the last 7-8 matches,” he said at the post-match presentation. “I think the batters who are in have to take responsibility.”
Mohammad Naim, usually an opener, remained unbeaten on a slow 32 off 29 deliveries after being pushed down to No.4. Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with 29 off 23, but neither he nor Towhid Hridoy (10 off 13) managed to accelerate when the situation demanded it.
Sri Lanka’s response was ruthless. An explosive opening stand of 78 in just 28 balls from Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis all but sealed the match early. Nissanka bludgeoned 42 off 16 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, while Mendis anchored the chase with a composed 73 off 51.
The opening blitz saw Sri Lanka register their highest ever Powerplay score in T20Is — 83 for 1 — with Bangladesh’s pace attack coming in for severe punishment. Mohammad Saifuddin was welcomed back to international cricket with three consecutive boundaries in his first over, while Taskin Ahmed conceded 43 runs in just three overs.
“It’s disappointing,” Litton added. “I thought 170 would have been a good score. But our bowlers weren’t good enough. Taskin is our lead bowler but anyone can have a bad day.”
Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and leggie Rishad Hossain were the pick of the bowlers, both finishing with identical figures of 1 for 24. Miraz eventually broke the opening stand by removing Nissanka, but by then, the damage had already been done.
The second T20I takes place in Dambulla on Sunday, with Bangladesh now needing to win to keep the series alive.