The first One-Day International against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium delivered a painfully familiar narrative for Bangladesh cricket fans: a promising start, a sudden, inexplicable collapse, and ultimately, a comprehensive defeat. Chasing a perfectly achievable 245, Bangladesh found themselves in a commanding position at 100 for 1 before an astonishing implosion saw them lose seven wickets for just five runs, eventually limping to 167 all out. This wasn't just a loss; it was a stark reminder of deep-seated issues within the team's mental fortitude and tactical execution.
To be cruising at 100 for 1, with the chase well in hand, only to then crumble to 105 for 8 in the space of a mere 20 deliveries, is nothing short of catastrophic. This particular collapse, losing seven wickets for just five runs, marks one of the most abysmal in ODI history. It speaks volumes about a side seemingly incapable of handling pressure when the momentum shifts, or perhaps, simply lacking the basic cricketing intelligence to navigate a tricky period.
The turning point, the run-out of Najmul Hossain Shanto, was unfortunate but often a catalyst for panic in fragile batting line-ups. What followed, however, was unforgivable. Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis are undoubtedly talented, but their figures of 4 for 10 and 3 for 19 respectively highlight a collective failure from the Bangladeshi batsmen to counter even disciplined spin.
Consider the individual dismissals: Litton Das, whose alarming run of form continues with yet another duck, appears utterly devoid of confidence. His inability to reach double figures in eight consecutive ODIs is a significant concern that demands immediate attention. Then there was Tanzid Hasan, well-set on 62, playing a poor shot to a spinner, gifting his wicket away with a casual blast to mid-off. These are not the actions of batsmen with a clear plan or the composure required at the international level. Towhid Hridoy's timid defensive push leading to his dismissal, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz's duck to a googly, further underscore a middle order that simply buckled.
While Jaker Ali's defiant half-century at the tail-end salvaged some pride, it merely masked the profound failings of those who preceded him. Cricket, particularly at the highest level, is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. When a team consistently fails to convert promising positions into winning ones due to such dramatic collapses, it points to a fundamental weakness in temperament and decision-making.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, demonstrated how to build an innings and then capitalise on opportunities. Captain Charith Asalanka's century was a masterclass in resilience, anchoring his side's total after their own early wobbles. Their bowlers, backed by sharp fielding, executed their plans with precision, exposing Bangladesh's brittle core.
This defeat is more than just a loss in an ODI series opener; it's a glaring symptom of a recurring problem. Until Bangladesh can address this crisis of composure and develop batsmen who can absorb pressure and build substantial partnerships consistently, these agonizing collapses will remain a frustrating hallmark of their white-ball cricket.
