Bangladesh’s hopes of bouncing back from a disappointing Test and ODI campaign against Sri Lanka were dashed as they suffered a seven-wicket defeat in the opening T20I in Pallekele on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh posted 154 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Parvez Hossain Emon top-scored with 38 runs, while the rest of the batting lineup failed to capitalise on a solid start.

Sri Lanka responded in dominant fashion, reaching the target with an over to spare. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis laid the foundation with a blistering 78-run stand off just 28 balls. Nissanka smashed 42 off 16 deliveries before falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, while Mendis anchored the chase with a composed 73 off 51.

Although Bangladesh managed to claim three wickets, including Kusal Perera (24), the hosts comfortably crossed the finish line at 158 for three in 19 overs.

The defeat follows Bangladesh’s earlier 1-0 loss in the two-match Test series and a 2-1 defeat in the three-match ODI series. The T20I series, led by captain Liton Das, continues with the second match scheduled for July 13 in Dambulla, followed by the final game on July 16 in Colombo.