Bangladesh’s hopes of securing a historic maiden ODI series win on Sri Lankan soil were dashed after a dismal batting collapse saw them fall to a 99-run defeat in the third and final match at the Pallekele International Stadium. The hosts, buoyed by a commanding century from Kusal Mendis and composed leadership from Charith Asalanka, sealed the series 2-1.
Set a challenging target of 286, Bangladesh faltered under pressure and were bundled out for just 186 in 39.4 overs. Towhid Hridoy offered the only real resistance with a measured half-century, but his dismissal marked the end of any realistic hopes for the visitors.
The chase began poorly for Bangladesh, with opener Tanzid Hasan managing a brisk 17 before falling early. Vice-captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s woeful run with the bat continued as he was bowled for a duck by a fired-up Dushmantha Chameera, leaving Bangladesh in early disarray.
Parvez Hossain Emon attempted to rebuild with 26, but the introduction of spin stifled the scoring rate and forced a mistimed slog sweep that cost him his wicket. Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz tried to shift momentum with a six off Chameera but perished soon after for 28, leaving the middle order exposed.
Hridoy’s calm knock of 50 from 75 balls — mirroring his score in the previous match — briefly steadied the ship. His innings included three boundaries and a six, but once again, he departed immediately after reaching the milestone, trapped lbw by Chameera, who finished with figures of 3 for 38 in a decisive spell.
Bangladesh’s tail crumbled without much resistance. Tanzim Hasan Sakib edged behind for 5, Taskin Ahmed played on for 1, and although Jaker Ali added a defiant 27, the result was never in doubt after Hridoy’s departure.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 285 for 7 on the back of a classy 124 from Kusal Mendis — his seventh ODI century and second against Bangladesh. The right-hander struck 16 boundaries in a fluent innings that anchored the Sri Lankan total.
Captain Charith Asalanka provided solid support with 58, sharing a 124-run partnership with Mendis for the fourth wicket. Pathum Nissanka chipped in with 35 at the top of the order. Despite reaching a promising 222 for 3 after 40 overs, the hosts were kept in check in the final 10 overs thanks to a disciplined Bangladeshi bowling effort.
Mehidy Hasan and Taskin Ahmed claimed two wickets apiece, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Tanvir Islam also chipped in. However, concerns remain over Mustafizur Rahman, who went wicketless once again, continuing his lean run of form since the 2023 World Cup.
The defeat raises fresh questions over Bangladesh’s batting consistency and ability to perform under pressure in key away fixtures. In contrast, the series win marks a significant boost for Sri Lanka under Asalanka’s captaincy, with Mendis once again proving a decisive force across formats.
Sri Lanka will take confidence from this victory as they continue to develop a new core, while Bangladesh return home needing to reassess both form and mindset ahead of their upcoming fixtures.