Sri Lanka – Bangladesh 3rd ODI Kusal, Asitha, Dushmantha Steer Sri Lanka to Series Win

By M. Shamil Amit

A quickfire 114-ball knock of 124, inclusive of 18 boundaries, by Kusal Perera and a composed 58 by skipper Charith Asalanka laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s commanding 99-run victory in the series decider against Bangladesh in the third ODI played at the Pallekele International Stadium yesterday.

Right-arm pacers Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera carried the momentum forward, sharing six wickets between them to help bundle out Bangladesh for 186, chasing a formidable target of 286. The victory handed Sri Lanka a 2–1 series win.

Bangladesh’s chase began poorly, losing two quick wickets with the score on 20, including Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was clean bowled by Fernando for a duck. With no substantial partnerships thereafter, the visitors struggled. The highest stand was a brief 43-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Towhid Hridoy, who top-scored with 51, and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz. However, regular wickets kept them under pressure.

Spin duo Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga also chipped in effectively, sharing four wickets between them, making the chase increasingly difficult for Bangladesh.

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bat. The hosts faced an early setback with the dismissal of Nishan Madushka, who faced just six balls before falling to right-arm pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the fourth over with the score on three.

Kusal Mendis then joined opener Pathum Nissanka, and the pair built a steady partnership, bringing up Sri Lanka’s 50 in 54 balls. However, with six more runs added, left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam broke the stand by dismissing Nissanka for 35 off 47 balls, including four boundaries.

Asitha Fernando (L) and Dushmantha Chameera who together shared six wickets paved the way for Sri Lanka

Mendis and Kamindu Mendis played cautiously, taking Sri Lanka to the 100-run mark before Kamindu was dismissed by skipper and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 16, ending a 31-run third-wicket stand.

From that point, Kusal Mendis found a reliable partner in Asalanka. The duo frustrated the Bangladesh bowlers, with Mendis reaching his half-century in 58 balls, featuring seven boundaries. Their 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket came off 57 balls, and they soon guided Sri Lanka past the 150 mark.

Asalanka brought up his 16th ODI half-century in 60 balls with eight boundaries, soon followed by Mendis, who completed his sixth ODI century in 95 balls, with 16 boundaries. The pair added 124 runs for the fourth wicket before Asalanka, attempting a big shot off Taskin Ahmed, was caught by Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 58 off 68 balls, including six boundaries.

Sri Lanka then lost three quick wickets — Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage and Mendis for just 35 runs. Mendis’s fine knock ended on 124 off 114 balls, featuring 18 boundaries. Despite the collapse, Sri Lanka managed to finish strongly, posting 285 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs.

The two teams will now turn their focus to the T20I series. The first of three T20s will be played on July 10 at the Pallekele International Stadium, followed by the second T20 on July 13 at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium, and the final T20 on July 16 at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Kusal Mendis slams 18 fours during his ton at Pallekele (Pic courtesy SLC)