Bangladesh began the ODI series against Sri Lanka with a loss but leveled the series by winning the second match, setting up a decisive 3rd ODI. In the final game at Pallekele, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first, posting 285/7 in 50 overs, with Kusal Mendis scoring a commanding 124. Bangladesh struggled in reply, all out for 186 in 39.4 overs, losing by 99 runs.
Bangladesh’s chase faltered early after a promising start of 15 runs in two overs. Opener Tanjid Hasan Tamim was dismissed for 17, followed by Nazmul Hossain Shanto’s quick wicket. Despite efforts from Emon and Towhid Hridoy, who scored 28 and 51 respectively, Bangladesh couldn’t build substantial partnerships. Mehedi Hasan Miraj and Shamim Hossain also fell cheaply, and the team collapsed under pressure.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Asitha Fernando (3/33) and Dushmantha Chameera (3/51), maintained tight control throughout. Earlier, Bangladesh’s pacers Taskin Ahmed and Tanjim Hasan Shakib had made early inroads, but Sri Lanka’s middle-order, especially Mendis and Charith Asalanka (58), steadied the innings with a 124-run partnership.
Kusal Mendis’s century was pivotal, his 124 off 114 balls featuring 18 boundaries, anchoring Sri Lanka’s total. Despite some late resistance from Bhanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lanka’s total proved too strong. This win secured Sri Lanka’s eighth consecutive ODI series victory at home, highlighting their resurgence since 2021 under coach Sanath Jayasuriya and captain Charith Asalanka.
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FAQ
1. Has Bangladesh ever won an ODI series in Sri Lanka?
No, Bangladesh has never won an ODI series on Sri Lankan soil. Despite getting close this time, they lost the deciding third ODI and the series 2-1.
2. Who was the standout performer in the third ODI?
Kusal Mendis was the standout performer. He scored a brilliant 124 off 114 balls, anchoring Sri Lanka’s innings and earning the Player of the Match award.
3. What went wrong for Bangladesh in the final ODI?
BD suffered a top-order collapse early in the innings, and despite a fifty from Towhid Hridoy, they were bowled out for just 186 runs, falling 99 runs short of the target.