Sri Lanka Crush Bangladesh by 99 Runs to Seal ODI Series 2-1

Sri Lanka delivered a dominant all-round performance to beat Bangladesh by 99 runs in the third and final ODI at Pallekele on Tuesday, clinching the series 2-1.

Chasing a target of 286, Bangladesh struggled under pressure and were bowled out for just 186 in under 40 overs. Sri Lankan bowlers put on a show, making the win look easy.

This victory marks a strong comeback for Sri Lanka in one-day cricket. After a disappointing 2023 World Cup in India, where they finished ninth and missed out on the Champions Trophy, the team has now won seven of their last nine ODI series, including against top sides like Australia and India.

Mendis Steals the Show

Kusal Mendis, under criticism for his poor shot in the last game, bounced back in style. He scored a brilliant 124 off 114 balls, hitting 18 boundaries. His knock anchored Sri Lanka’s innings and earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.

“Very pleased with the knock today,” said Mendis. “In the last game, I got a start but couldn’t finish. Today, I was determined to bat through.”

He shared a crucial 124-run partnership with captain Charith Asalanka, who also praised the team’s performance.

“This is probably one of our best games,” Asalanka said. “We were under pressure, but Mendis was superb. Once we got 285, we knew the bowlers could do the job.”

Bangladesh Falter Again

Bangladesh started positively but quickly fell apart. Star batter Najmul Hossain Shanto was bowled for a duck by Dushmantha Chameera, who returned to the squad after a long injury layoff. Chameera went on to take 3 wickets for 51 runs.

Towhid Hridoy offered some resistance with a half-century, but Chameera struck again to dismiss him with a sharp in-swinger. Asitha Fernando also took 3 wickets to support the attack.

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz admitted the team couldn’t handle the pressure.

“We tried to bat positively, but the scoreboard pressure got to us,” he said. “We are rebuilding the team with a lot of young players, and there are still many positives.”

What’s Next

The two teams will now face off in a three-match T20I series, starting Thursday, also at Pallekele.