Sri Lanka have posted a competitive total of 286 runs in the third and final ODI against Bangladesh, staying true to skipper Charith Asalanka’s pre-match target. The hosts will feel they missed out on a bigger score after reaching 222/3 at one stage, only for Bangladesh to claw their way back in the final 10 overs with a flurry of wickets.
The pitch initially offered signs of being on the slower side but improved steadily for batting. Despite traditionally offering early seam movement, the surface in Pallekele offered little for the Bangladeshi pacers. Tanzim Hasan Sakib did provide an early breakthrough by dismissing opener Nishan Madushka, but the visitors couldn’t build on it.
Sri Lanka counterattacked with a 56-run partnership between Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, pushing Bangladesh onto the back foot. However, the spinners managed to wrestle back some control, reducing the hosts to 100/3 in 21 overs.
The turning point of the innings came with a dominant 124-run partnership between Mendis and captain Asalanka. The Bangladeshi bowlers looked out of sorts during this period, as Mendis powered to his sixth ODI century, while Asalanka chipped in with a crucial 58.
Taskin Ahmed’s breakthrough – removing Asalanka – proved pivotal, sparking a mini-collapse as Sri Lanka stumbled from 224/3 to 259/7 within seven overs. But late cameos from Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera helped push the total past 280, finishing at a respectable 286.
With a series win on the line and the added pressure of securing a maiden ODI series victory on Sri Lankan soil, Bangladesh now face a challenging chase. The pitch remains conducive to batting, but the psychological weight of the target – and the occasion – could play a decisive role. An intriguing second innings awaits.