Sri Lanka comprehensively defeated Bangladesh by 99 runs in the third ODI match played in Pallekele, thanks to a brilliant century by Kusal Mendis and a b performance by the bowlers.
Sports News: Sri Lanka won the series by defeating Bangladesh by 99 runs in the third and deciding ODI match. In the match played at the Pallekele ground, a brilliant century by Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis and the lethal bowling of the bowlers completely changed the game. Kusal Mendis played an exceptional innings of 124 runs, which led Sri Lanka to a b score, while the trio of Chameera and Fernando dismantled Bangladesh's batting. The match proved to be one-sided and Sri Lanka ultimately won the 3-match series 2-1.
Mendis's Masterclass Century
Sri Lanka, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, did not have a great start. Opener Nishan Madushka was out for just 4 runs in the third over. But after that, Kusal Mendis took charge of the batting. Mendis scored 124 runs in just 114 balls, including 18 fours. His blistering innings completely shattered the strategies of the Bangladesh bowlers.
He formed a crucial 124-run partnership with captain Charith Asalanka (58 runs, 68 balls, 9 fours) for the fourth wicket. This partnership played a key role in taking Sri Lanka to a b score.
Sri Lanka Sets a Mammoth Score of 285 Runs
Sri Lanka scored 285 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 50 overs, thanks to the partnership of Kusal Mendis and Asalanka. Other batsmen included:
- Pathum Nissanka – 35 runs
- Kamindu Mendis – 16 runs
- Hasaranga – 18 runs (not out)
- Dushmantha Chameera – 10 runs (not out)
Tasneem Ahmed and Shamim Hossain took 2-2 wickets for Bangladesh, but they did not get support from the other bowlers.
Bangladesh's Innings
Bangladesh's innings, chasing a mammoth target of 285 runs, started very badly. Tanzid Hasan (17 runs) was sent back to the pavilion by Fernando in the third over itself. Immediately after this, Dushmantha Chameera shocked the second opener by dismissing him for zero on the first ball. After this, Bangladesh's innings never recovered. Towhid Hridoy did score a fighting innings of 51 runs, but the other batsmen completely failed:
- Parvez Hossain Emon – 28 runs
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz – 28 runs
- All other batsmen – Could not even cross double figures
- The team was all out for 186 runs in 39.4 overs.
Sri Lankan Bowlers' Wrath
- Dushmantha Chameera – 3 wickets
- Asitha Fernando – 3 wickets
- Dunith Wellalage – 2 wickets
- Wanindu Hasaranga – 2 wickets
The Bangladeshi batsmen had no answer to Chameera's pace and Hasaranga's spin during the bowling. With this win, Sri Lanka won the three-match ODI series 2-1.
