Sports (Commonwealth Union) _ Sri Lanka secured a 99-run win over Bangladesh at the final One Day International (ODI) in Pallekele, sealing the series with a total of 2-1. The win was secured by a century from Kusal Mendis and an impressive bowling display by the seamers.
The Player of the Match, Mendis, struck 124 runs off 114 balls, forming the pillar of Sri Lanka’s innings, his 124-run partnership with Charith Asalanka ensuring that the hosts posted a total of 285 for 7.
Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling faced challenges, but despite yielding only 62 runs in the final 10 overs, they had already inflicted damage.
Mendis’s dominance on the leg side was the highlight of his innings, with 66% of his runs coming in that region. His command over short deliveries and various sweep shots put up a major challenge for both seamers and spinners to contain him. Asalanka, although less fluent, supported immensely with calculated strokes, particularly through the leg side.
Bangladesh struggled at the beginning of their chase, losing early wickets at 20 for 2 in the fourth over and 62 for 3 by the 14th, not being able to gain sufficient momentum. Nevertheless, Towhid Hridoy was seen to offer some resistance with a 51-run knock, despite the seemingly insurmountable escalating run rate that was required.
The Sri Lankan bowlers, Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera in particular, were considered to have been a critical component in dismantling the batting lineup brought on by Bangladesh. Asitha demonstrated impressive form by taking 3 wickets for 33, while Chameera also contributed with 3 wickets for 51, including Hridoy’s crucial wicket via a seaming delivery. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage also contributed to the battle with two wickets each, resulting in Bangladesh being ultimately bowled out for 186 in the 40th over.
Although the result indicates Sri Lanka’s dominance during the match, Bangladesh also proved to possess an impressive level of competitiveness throughout the tour, having tested Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle and put pressure on the team that hosted in the ODI series. Nevertheless, the level of consistency required to close out key phases of play remained yet to be achieved.
As the focus shifts to the T20I series, Bangladesh are seen to face concerns, having lost 11 of their last 15 matches in the format. With the T20 World Cup 2026 being partly scheduled to be hosted in Sri Lanka, the upcoming matches will be a vital tool for preparation, for Bangladesh’s younger players in particular. Sri Lanka are also seen to be in a phase of reconstruction and will be hoping to carry on the momentum they have displayed into the T20Is as well.
The first T20I is set to take place soon, with both sides expected to test new combinations. In the meantime, questions regarding Bangladesh’s form and leadership persist, particularly those surrounding Litton Das. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will be assessing their all-round options with Wellalage, Shanaka, and Karunaratne contending to play key roles.
