Bangladesh fell to a crushing 99-run defeat against Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI in Pallekele on Tuesday, handing the hosts a 2-1 series win.
Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 285 for 7 in 50 overs, powered by a commanding century from captain Kusal Mendis. The right-hander anchored the innings with a fluent 124 off 114 balls, including 18 boundaries.
Sri Lanka had an early setback with opener Nishan Madushka departing for just 1, but a 56-run partnership between Mendis and Pathum Nissanka (35) stabilized the innings. Kamindu Mendis added 16 before being dismissed, but the real momentum came from a 124-run fourth-wicket stand between Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka, who contributed 58 off 68 balls.
After Asalanka’s departure, Sri Lanka struggled to build significant partnerships, with Bangladesh tightening their grip in the death overs. Mendis reached his fifty in 58 balls and accelerated to his hundred with his next 37 deliveries before falling in the 46th over. The final 10 overs yielded only 63 runs for Sri Lanka.
In reply, Bangladesh’s chase got off to a shaky start. They lost Tanzid Hasan (17 off 13) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) within the first four overs. Opener Parvez Hossain Emon, despite facing 44 balls, managed only 28 before falling while attempting a six.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz showed some promise with a 28 off 25 balls but threw away his wicket after a positive start. Shamim Hossain (12) also failed to settle at the crease.
Towhid Hridoy held the innings together for a while, scoring a patient 51 off 78 balls, but his dismissal by Dushmantha Chameera signaled the end of Bangladesh’s resistance. Zaker Ali chipped in with a brief 27, but the rest of the batting order folded quickly.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 186 in 39.4 overs, falling well short of the target.
The two teams will now shift focus to the three-match T20I series, starting Thursday in Pallekele.
