Sri Lanka Crush Bangladesh by 99 Runs to Clinch ODI Series

AFP/APP

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

Chasing a challenging target of 286, Bangladesh crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 186 in under 40 overs, as Sri Lanka’s bowlers delivered a clinical display.

The emphatic victory marks a significant turnaround for Sri Lanka following their disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign in India, where they finished ninth and missed out on qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Since then, they have won seven of their last nine ODI series, including against Australia and India.

“This is probably one of our best games,” said Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka. “We were under pressure and really wanted this win. Kusal Mendis was superb. Once we got 285, we knew we had enough and the bowlers did the rest.”

Mendis was the architect of the series-deciding win, scoring a composed 124 off 114 balls—his sixth ODI century. Coming under fire for his rash dismissal in the second ODI, he responded in style, anchoring the innings with 18 boundaries and a 124-run fourth-wicket stand with Asalanka.

“Very pleased with the knock today,” said Mendis, who was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series. “I was disappointed with my performance in Colombo, but today I was determined to bat through.”

Sri Lanka looked set for a total beyond 300, but Bangladesh fought back at the death to restrict them to 285 for seven.

In reply, Bangladesh’s chase faltered early. Dushmantha Chameera, returning after more than a year out with injury, struck with the new ball, dismissing Najmul Hossain Shanto for a duck with a delivery that seamed in and clipped the top of off. Chameera later removed top-scorer Towhid Hridoy (50), finishing with figures of 3-51. Asitha Fernando also impressed with three wickets.

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz acknowledged the defeat but pointed to signs of progress: “We started well and tried to play positively, but scoreboard pressure got to us. We’re rebuilding with a lot of young players, and there are many positives.”

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