Sri Lanka Dominate Bangladesh with 99-Run Win to Seal ODI Series 2-1
Sri Lanka capped off a stellar performance in the third and final ODI by thrashing Bangladesh by 99 runs at Pallekele on Tuesday, securing a 2-1 series win with an all-round clinical display. The commanding win not only sealed the series but also continued Sri Lanka’s strong resurgence in ODI cricket since their disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign.
Kusal Mendis Leads the Charge with a Sublime Century
At the heart of Sri Lanka’s victory was Kusal Mendis, who delivered under pressure with a brilliant 124 off 114 balls, his sixth ODI century. Coming into the match with criticism over his previous game’s reckless shot, Mendis responded in the most emphatic way. His mature knock, featuring 18 boundaries, anchored Sri Lanka’s innings after they were put on the back foot early.
Walking in during the fourth over, Mendis steadied the innings and shared a crucial 124-run fourth-wicket partnership with skipper Charith Asalanka, laying the groundwork for a strong total.
“Very pleased with the knock today. I was determined to bat through the innings,” said Mendis, who was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series.
Though Sri Lanka looked set for a score in excess of 300 at one point, tight death bowling from Bangladesh limited the hosts to 285 for 7—still a formidable total on a Pallekele pitch offering some assistance to bowlers.
Sri Lankan Bowlers Blow Away Bangladesh’s Batting Line-Up
Chasing 286, Bangladesh’s innings never quite got going. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by a fiery Dushmantha Chameera, struck early and often. Making his comeback after over a year away due to injury, Chameera made an instant impact by bowling the in-form Najmul Hossain Shanto with a ball that seamed in sharply and clipped the top of off-stump.
He later returned to dismiss Towhid Hridoy, who top-scored for Bangladesh with a fighting half-century, breaking through with another beautiful in-swinger that shattered the stumps. Chameera finished with 3 for 51, while Asitha Fernando also chipped in with three wickets, ensuring Bangladesh were bowled out for 186 inside 40 overs.
“This is probably one of our best games,” said captain Charith Asalanka. “We knew 285 was a good score, and our bowlers executed the plan perfectly.”
Bangladesh Crumble Under Pressure
Bangladesh started with hopes of chasing the target but quickly crumbled under pressure. Their top order failed to withstand Sri Lanka’s pace attack, and despite Hridoy’s brief resistance, the rest of the batting lineup couldn’t offer much support.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz acknowledged the pressure, stating, “We started off well and tried to play positively, but the scoreboard pressure got to us.”
Sri Lanka’s ODI Revival Continues
This 99-run victory marks another significant step in Sri Lanka’s revival in the ODI format, following their underwhelming performance in the 2023 World Cup, where they finished ninth and failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy. Since then, the team has now won seven of their last nine ODI series, including impressive wins against top sides like India and Australia.
Their dominance in this series not only boosts morale but also sets a strong tone heading into the upcoming three-match T20I series, starting Thursday, also in Pallekele.
Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka’s comprehensive win over Bangladesh is more than just a series victory — it’s a statement of intent. With their top players finding form and bowlers stepping up under pressure, the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh ODI series showcased the island nation’s growing confidence and cohesion as a team. For Bangladesh, it’s back to the drawing board ahead of the T20I leg of the tour.
Stay tuned as the action continues with the T20I series that promises more drama, intensity, and cricketing brilliance from both sides.