Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets against Bangladesh in Asia Cup

After Matheesha Pathirana's aggressive bowling, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka both scored strong fifties as Sri Lanka crushed Bangladesh by five wickets in their Asia Cup opening on Thursday. Bangladesh was limited to 164 runs by pacer Pathirana's 4/32. The home team subsequently overcame the mark in 39 overs thanks to Samarawickrama's 54 off 77 balls and Asalanka's undefeated 62 not out off 92 balls.

Samarawickrama is reviving his career this year after falling from the public eye. He was given a chance to return to the Lanka Test team against Ireland in July after a five-year absence, and he also played in their ODI team against Afghanistan at home in June after a four-year absence. Samarawickrama scored a hundred in the second game against Ireland to make his Test comeback meaningful. His fifty on Thursday served as the foundation for Lanka's significant victory over Bangladesh.