In a highly anticipated three-match ODI series hosted in Sri Lanka, the decider today saw Sri Lanka clinch the series 2–1 with a commanding 99‑run victory over Bangladesh at Pallekele.
Here’s how the clash unfolded:
📊 Match Summary
- Sri Lanka: 285/7 (50 overs)
- Bangladesh: 186 all out (39.4 overs)
- Result: Sri Lanka win by 99 runs → Series victory: 2–1 YouTube+2The Indian Express+2YouTube+2Wikipedia+6ESPN India+6Times of India+6Times of India+1Times of India+1
🌟 Player of the Match & Series
Kusal Mendis once again stole the show:
- ⚡ Scored a brilliant 124 off 114 balls, cementing his status as Player of the Series Times of India
🧢 Playing XI & Toss
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka XI
Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando
🇧🇩 Bangladesh XI
Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (wk), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed ESPN CricinfoWikipedia+2The Indian Express+2ESPN India+2
🎯 Sri Lanka’s Batting Brilliance
- Top Order: Pathum Nissanka’s 35 steady start.
- Middle Order:
- Kusal Mendis unleashed with 18 fours, creating the innings’ backbone.
- Charith Asalanka provided a classy 58.
- Late Surge: Sri Lanka rallied to 285/7—well above Bangladesh’s reach
🔥 Bangladesh’s Struggle
- Early Collapse: They never recovered from Sri Lanka’s strong total.
- Standout: Towhid Hridoy’s resilient 51, but it lacked support.
- Lack of Partnerships: They couldn’t build momentum in the middle overs
🧩 Bowling Analysis
Sri Lanka’s seamers turned the screw:
- Asitha Fernando – key strike-taker with 3/33
- Dushmantha Chameera – another big wicket-taker at 3/51
- Wellalage & Hasaranga chipped in with wickets to seal Bangladesh’s fate ESPN CricinfoThe Indian Express
🔍 Key Takeaways
- Sri Lanka continues its dominance in home ODI series—this marks their 12th straight bilateral win at home The Indian Express.
- Bangladesh’s batting remains fragile in tough conditions—middle order stuttered in chase.
- Kusal Mendis proved vital—his Series-defining century underscores his elite class.
🗣️ My Take
Sri Lanka delivered a confident team performance in a decider—balanced batting and incisive bowling. Mendis’ century, led by seamers, showed they have the firepower and composure under pressure.
Bangladesh, though spirited, again lacked depth in middle-order—will need better partnerships in future series.
📅 What’s Next?
- The sides now move into the T20I series, starting on July 10, as Bangladesh looks to bounce back.
- Sri Lanka carries momentum as they prepare for the upcoming Australia tour and ICC events.
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#BangladeshvsSriLanka #SLvsBAN #CricketSeries2025 #KusalMendis #SriLankaCricket #BangladeshCricket #ODIseries