• Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka played a defining innings to lift his team from early trouble in the 1st ODI against Bangladesh.

  • Asalanka fighting century placed him alongside cricketing royalty like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar.

Fans in awe as Charith Asalanka matches Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar with stunning century against Bangladesh | SL vs BAN, 1st ODI
Charith Asalanka (Image Source: X)

In the opening ODI of a three-game series against Bangladesh at R Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka played a defining innings to lift his team from early trouble. Coming in under pressure after a top-order collapse, he showed tremendous maturity and class. His composed strokeplay and leadership with the bat anchored the innings through multiple phases. It wasn’t just a captain’s knock; it was a statement performance at a venue he now owns statistically.

Charith Asalanka’s landmark century and the record he now shares with Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar 

Asalanka’s century came just when Sri Lanka needed it the most. Walking in with the team struggling at 29/3, he absorbed the pressure with patience before slowly shifting gears. His innings of 106 from 123 deliveries was a mix of grit and aggression, featuring 6 fours and 4 sixes. He built vital partnerships, notably with Janith Liyanage and later with Milan Rathnayake and Wanindu Hasaranga, ensuring the innings never drifted. This was Asalanka’s fifth ODI hundred and his first while leading the side, showcasing his growing stature as a match-winner.

More importantly, it was his fourth ODI century at the R Premadasa Stadium, placing him alongside cricketing royalty. He now shares the record for the most ODI hundreds at this iconic Colombo venue with Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya. The milestone underlines his love affair with this ground and his ability to rise when it matters. Asalanka not only rebuilt the innings but also provided Sri Lanka with a competitive edge. His calm approach and timely acceleration gave the middle and lower order confidence to bat around him. It was a standout performance that could shape the tone for the series.

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A rescue act for Sri Lanka led by the captain amid early chaos against Bangladesh 

The Sri Lankan innings began on a shaky note after electing to bat first in Colombo. Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis fell cheaply, while Nishan Madushka couldn’t hold on either, leaving the hosts at 29/3 within the first seven overs. Kusal Mendis offered brief resistance with a stroke-filled 45 before falling to Tanvir Islam just before the 19th over. Asalanka then took charge and began the repair work. He formed a 64-run stand with Liyanage and added important runs with Rathnayake and Hasaranga down the order.

The momentum picked up in the middle overs, especially with Asalanka’s well-paced acceleration. Dewan contributions from the lower-middle order pushed the score toward 244. Taskin Ahmed was lethal with the ball, returning figures of 4/47 and picking wickets across spells. Tanzim Sakib supported well with 3 scalps, while Tanvir and Najmul chipped in. However, Bangladesh couldn’t prevent Asalanka from anchoring the innings masterfully. The innings ended at 49.2 overs, with Sri Lanka posting 244, slightly under-par but certainly defendable given the early swing and grip seen on the surface.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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