Ton-up Perera steers Sri Lanka to 314-8
COLOMBO: Kusal Perera scored a quick-fire century to power Sri Lanka to 314-8 in the first of a three-match one-day international series against Bangladesh in Colombo on Friday.
Perera struck 111 off 99 balls with 17 fours and a six, his fifth ODI century, as Sri Lanka punished Bangladesh's wayward bowling after skipper Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and elected to bat first.
Perera put on 97 runs with Karunaratne for the second wicket before adding 100 with Kusal Mendis for the third to set up the platform for a strong total.
Shafiul Islam, who finished with 3-62 in his first match in three years, drew first blood for Bangladesh when he had opener Avishka Fernando caught by Soumya Sarkar at slip for seven.
Perera was reprieved on 49 runs when the third umpire overturned a caught behind decision off Shafiul.
Part-time seamer Soumya ended the valiant knock of Perera as he was caught at short fine leg by Mustafizur Rahman.
Mendis who was dropped on 28 by Mahmudullah Riyad off Soumya fell to Rubel Hossain the next over after making 43 off 49 balls.
Mendis walked after a muted appeal for caught behind from wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim and bowler Rubel.
Angelo Mathews took Sri Lanka's total past the 300-run mark with 48 off 52 balls.
Mustafizur dismissed Mathews before finishing with 2-75.
Tamim Iqbal is leading Bangladesh, becoming the country's 14th ODI captain.
The game at R. Premadasa Stadium is also special for Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga, who will retire after the match.
Malinga was unbeaten on six in his final ODI innings. —AFP
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