In what will go down as one of the most dramatic collapses in ODI history, Bangladesh crumbled from 100-1 to 105-7 in just 27 balls, handing Sri Lanka a stunning 77-run victory in the first ODI of the three-match series at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Chasing a modest target of 245, Bangladesh looked firmly in control early in their innings. With only one wicket down and seasoned batters at the crease, the visitors appeared on course to claim the opening win. But what followed left fans stunned and statisticians scrambling.
In just 4.3 overs, Bangladesh lost six wickets for five runs, turning a commanding position into complete chaos. Seamers and spinners alike tore through the middle order, with batsmen falling in rapid succession — caught behind, bowled, and trapped LBW.
Sri Lanka capitalized ruthlessly on the momentum, eventually dismissing the Mehidy Hasan Miraz-led side for 167, sealing a victory that had once seemed beyond reach.
This extraordinary collapse is now the second-worst seven-wicket fall in ODI history, with Bangladesh’s fall from 100-1 to 105-7 behind only Zimbabwe’s infamous collapse against Sri Lanka in 2008, where they lost seven wickets for just four runs at Harare Sports Club.
Even more striking, all three worst seven-wicket ODI collapses in history have now come against Sri Lanka, reinforcing their legacy as one of cricket’s most merciless finishers.
Speaking after the match, Sri Lanka’s captain credited the team’s fighting spirit and belief. “We never gave up. We knew one wicket could change everything — and our bowlers did the rest,” he said.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a golden opportunity lost, with skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz admitting the team “lost control under pressure” and must “bounce back quickly” in the remaining matches.
Sri Lanka now leads the three-match ODI series 1-0, with the second game scheduled in a few days. Bangladesh will be desperate to regroup and avoid another historic misstep, while Sri Lanka eyes a clean sweep with renewed confidence.
