Sri Lanka secured a convincing 99-run victory against Bangladesh in the third ODI on July 8, clinching the series 2-1 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Choosing to bat first, Sri Lanka set a challenging target of 285 runs, thanks to an impressive century by Kusal Mendis, who scored 124 runs off 114 balls.
In response, Bangladesh struggled and was all out for 186 in just 39.4 overs. Towhid Hridoy was the standout performer for Bangladesh, managing to score 51 runs off 78 deliveries.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were in fine form, with Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera both taking three wickets, while Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga contributed two wickets each. Mendis earned the Player of the Match award for his outstanding century and was also named Player of the Series, finishing as the top run-scorer with 225 runs over the three matches.
Match Highlights
Sri Lanka began their innings on a shaky note, losing Nishan Madushka early to Tanzim Hasan Sakib. However, Pathum Nissanka stabilized the innings with a solid partnership of 56 runs with Kusal Mendis. Nissanka scored 35 runs, but fell short of a half-century when he was dismissed by Tanvir Islam.
Captain Charith Asalanka then stepped up, scoring 58 runs off 68 balls and forming a remarkable 124-run partnership with Mendis. Mendis brought up his sixth ODI century in just 95 balls, while Asalanka reached his fifty in 60 balls, allowing Sri Lanka to finish with a strong total of 285/7.
In the chase, Bangladesh fell behind early, losing two wickets for just 20 runs. Only Towhid Hridoy showed some resistance, but he struggled to find partners as Sri Lanka sealed the win, marking their eighth consecutive ODI series victory.
