COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – In a dominating performance, the Sri Lankan cricket team secured a 99-run victory over Bangladesh in the third and final One Day International (ODI) at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, sealing the three-match series 2-1. This result marks an emphatic conclusion to an intense series between two fierce Asian rivals.
With standout performances from captain Kusal Mendis, who struck a brilliant century, and a disciplined bowling unit that stifled the Bangladeshi chase, Sri Lanka showcased composure and superiority in all departments of the game.
Match Summary: Third ODI Between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Match: 3rd ODI of the three-match series
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 99 runs
- Series Outcome: Sri Lanka won the series 2-1
Sri Lanka’s Innings: Kusal Mendis Leads from the Front with a Magnificent Century
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to bat first on a dry Colombo pitch that promised good bounce and turn later in the day. The openers got off to a steady start before Kusal Mendis, who has been in superb form throughout the series, anchored the innings with a commanding 124-run knock off 129 balls. His innings included:
- 14 boundaries
- 1 six
- A mix of calculated aggression and intelligent strike rotation
Mendis built crucial partnerships, especially a 78-run stand with Charith Asalanka, who contributed a valuable 43 runs, helping to stabilize the innings after the fall of two quick wickets. Sri Lanka maintained a healthy scoring rate throughout and managed to post a competitive total of 285 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Late-order contributions from Dasun Shanaka (28) and Wanindu Hasaranga (21)* added crucial runs in the death overs, pushing the score to a challenging level for the visitors.
Bangladesh’s Bowling: Lack of Penetration in the Middle Overs
The Bangladeshi bowlers failed to make inroads during key phases of the Sri Lankan innings. Despite getting early breakthroughs, they struggled to contain Mendis and Asalanka. While Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam bowled with discipline, their efforts were often undone by inconsistent support from the rest of the bowling attack.
- Taskin Ahmed: 2 for 52
- Shoriful Islam: 2 for 58
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: 1 for 48
Bangladesh’s inability to build sustained pressure allowed Sri Lanka to set a par-plus total, which eventually proved to be match-winning.
Bangladesh’s Chase: Batting Collapse Under Pressure
In response to the 286-run target, Bangladesh never looked settled. Their innings lacked momentum right from the start as Sri Lankan bowlers kept the pressure tight. The early dismissal of Litton Das (9) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (5) put the visitors on the back foot.
The only significant resistance came from Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored a gritty 56 runs, trying to revive the innings with some resistance in the middle overs. However, regular wickets at the other end derailed the chase.
Other notable contributions:
- Shakib Al Hasan: 29 runs
- Mahmudullah: 24 runs
None of the other batters managed to cross 20, as the innings folded for 186 runs in 42.3 overs, falling 99 runs short of the target.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling: A Collective and Clinical Performance
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack executed their plans to perfection, with spin and pace combining effectively to stifle the Bangladeshi batters. Dilshan Madushanka and Maheesh Theekshana were the standouts, regularly picking up wickets and controlling the run flow.
Bowling Figures:
- Dilshan Madushanka: 3 for 31
- Maheesh Theekshana: 2 for 33
- Wanindu Hasaranga: 1 for 35
- Dasun Shanaka: 2 for 24
Their sharp field placements and disciplined bowling ensured Bangladesh never got the upper hand, despite a few brief partnerships.
Kusal Mendis: Player of the Match and Series
For his match-defining innings of 124 runs, Kusal Mendis was rightfully named the Player of the Match. Mendis also received the Player of the Series award for his consistent performances throughout the three-match series.
Over the series, Mendis scored:
- First ODI: 58 runs
- Second ODI: 41 runs
- Third ODI: 124 runs
Totaling 223 runs, Mendis emerged as the batting backbone for Sri Lanka and solidified his role as a key figure in their ODI setup.
Series Recap: How the ODI Series Unfolded
1st ODI – Bangladesh Win by 6 Wickets
Bangladesh chased down a modest total of 234 with composure, thanks to a half-century by Shanto and late fireworks from Mahmudullah. Sri Lanka’s bowlers were unable to contain the chase in the death overs.
2nd ODI – Sri Lanka Bounce Back
Sri Lanka leveled the series in the second ODI with a thrilling 22-run win, driven by a strong bowling performance and a collective batting effort led by Mendis and Asalanka.
3rd ODI – Sri Lanka Clinch Series
With momentum on their side, Sri Lanka dominated the third ODI with both bat and ball, sealing the series 2-1 and asserting their growing dominance in regional cricket.
Post-Match Reactions: Coaches and Captains Speak
Sri Lanka Head Coach Chris Silverwood praised the team’s fighting spirit:
“This series was crucial for us, and the boys have delivered. Kusal’s leadership has been outstanding. The team is gelling well, and the energy is where it needs to be.”
Bangladesh Captain Shakib Al Hasan acknowledged the better side won:
“We were outplayed in both departments today. Our top order didn’t click, and our bowling lacked penetration. We will regroup and work on these areas.”
Implications for Future Series and Rankings
This ODI series win holds significance for Sri Lanka as they look to build momentum ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 qualifiers and the Asia Cup. A strong showing in bilateral series like this one boosts team confidence and positively impacts their ICC ODI rankings.
For Bangladesh, the loss is a wake-up call. While they have a solid core, they will need to address their batting inconsistencies, especially in pressure situations, to compete more effectively in overseas conditions.
Conclusion: Sri Lanka’s Statement of Intent
With a commanding win in the third ODI, Sri Lanka not only secured the series but sent a strong message to other cricketing nations. Led by Kusal Mendis’s heroics and backed by an all-round bowling performance, this victory reflects the team’s resurgence and renewed focus under a young leadership group.
As the cricketing calendar heats up with ICC tournaments and regional contests, Sri Lanka will look to carry this momentum forward. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will return to the drawing board to address their flaws and prepare for the challenges ahead.
