|| CF DESK ||

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Perera praised the Bangladesh bowlers for their contribution in 33-run win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI on Sunday [May 23].

Perera also stated that the side lacks experience as many senior cricketers including Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews were not included in the ODI squad by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC). The Sri Lanka Board has sent a youth team for their future planning.

However, he praised the bowlers as Mehidy Hasan Miraz bagged 4 wickets while Mustafizur Rahman picked up 3 wickets. He also lauded his teammate Wanindu Hasaranga for his stormy innings of 74 off 60 balls.

“Not good to end on the losing side, but there are a lot of positives. Wanindu was superb. We bowled well. Bangladesh are a good side, our bowlers aren't experienced but they did well to restrict them to 257,” said Perera.

“Hasaranga is highly-rated, he backs his strength and to bowl 10 overs in these conditions was a great effort. The top-order batsmen need to bat at least 30-35 overs. Isuru and Wanindu gave us a chance, but credit to their bowlers. We have two games and we have to come back strongly," he added.