In a gripping display of drama and dominance at Khettarama, Bangladesh crumbled under pressure in truly spectacular fashion, handing Sri Lanka a commanding victory and leaving fans and critics stunned alike.
Khettarama Stadium in Colombo has witnessed many memorable matches over the years, but July 2, 2025, added another unforgettable chapter to its legacy. In what was expected to be a closely contested encounter, Bangladesh unravelled dramatically, folding for one of their lowest scores in recent memory. The Lankan lions roared, while Bangladesh’s batting unit looked like a deer caught in headlights.
The Collapse: A Scene of Chaos
Bangladesh, chasing a modest total of 212, looked confident early on. But things turned upside down after the fall of the first wicket. What followed was a calamitous sequence of dismissals that saw the Tigers lose all ten wickets for just 53 runs.
Seam, spin, pressure — Sri Lanka threw everything at Bangladesh, and the visitors had no answers. Edges flew, stumps shattered, and the scoreboard ticked backwards as panic crept in.
Khettarama Strikes Again
Often dubbed a “graveyard for batting collapses,” the Khettarama pitch played its part — offering just enough seam movement and uneven bounce to trouble the batters. But more than the pitch, it was Bangladesh’s inability to adapt that cost them dearly.
Sri Lankan bowlers, especially the young pacer Dilshan Madushanka, were ruthless. Madushanka’s spell of 4/16 broke the backbone of the Bangladesh innings. Spin twins Theekshana and Wellalage mopped up the tail with surgical precision.
Bangladesh’s Fragile Mindset Exposed
This isn’t the first time Bangladesh has folded under pressure in a chase. While their top order has looked promising on occasion, their middle and lower order has repeatedly shown vulnerability in crunch moments. Former captain Shakib Al Hasan, now playing more of a mentor’s role, looked visibly frustrated in the dugout.
Sri Lanka’s Grit Pays Off
Despite posting only 212, thanks to a gritty 60-run knock from Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka believed they were still in the game — and they proved it. Their bowlers hit the right lines, their fielders backed them up, and Khettarama did the rest.
What This Means Going Forward
This humiliating collapse raises serious questions about Bangladesh’s mental fortitude in high-pressure games. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s rise as a formidable bowling unit continues. With major tournaments like the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup in sight, this win boosts Lankan morale and puts Bangladesh in a serious introspection mode.
Match Score Table – 1st ODI | July 2, 2025 | Khettarama, Colombo
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 244 all out | 49.2 | Charith Asalanka 106 (123), Taskin Ahmed 4/47, Tanzim 3/46 |
| Bangladesh | 167 all out | 35.5 | Tanzid Hasan 62 (61), Jaker Ali 51 (64), Hasaranga 4/10, Kamindu Mendis 3/19 |
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 77 runs
- Player of the Match: Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)
Key Highlights
- Sri Lanka, after losing early wickets, were anchored by Asalanka’s brilliant century (106 off 123 balls).
- Bangladesh began their chase strongly, reaching 100/1, before suffering a shocking collapse, losing 9 wickets for 67 runs.
- Spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis spun a web, claiming 7 wickets between them.
- This defeat is among Bangladesh’s worst collapses in ODI history and raises serious concerns ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Final Thought
Khettarama bit back, and Bangladesh paid the price. In the cauldron of Colombo, where conditions can turn a small target into a mountain, the Tigers collapsed in a heap, turning what should have been a routine chase into a nightmare.
As fans reel from the shock and pundits tear into the technique and temperament of Bangladesh’s batters, one thing is clear — Khettarama doesn’t forgive, and it certainly didn’t forget.
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