Kusal Mendis Century Seals ODI Series Win for Sri Lanka Against Bangladesh

  • July 8, 2025

The venue in Kandy, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, resonated with heightened excitement as Sri Lanka took on Bangladesh in the crucial third ODI on July 8, 2025, to decide the series. Having split the series with 1-1, each side had everything at stake. Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka, chose to bat first after winning the toss, thereby creating the setting for a very important match which ultimately resulted in a memorable 99-run victory for the home team, along with the series title.

Kusal Mendis orchestrates a masterclass with a tremendous ton

Kusal Mendis played a memorable innings, electrifying Kandy with a magnificent 124 off 114 deliveries. Entering the match early after Nishan Madushka’s dismissal, Mendis, along with Pathum Nissanka (35), stabilized the innings, building a vital partnership that took Sri Lanka past 50 in the ninth over. Exhibiting a combination of calmness and calculated aggression, Mendis scored his half-century off 58 balls, consistently finding the boundary with sharp drives and stylish cuts.

Despite the fall of wickets around him, Mendis held the innings together, accelerating after the 30th over. The partnership with captain Asalanka (58) was the mainstay of Sri Lanka’s total, contributing 124 runs for the fourth wicket. Mendis reached his century in just 95 balls, showing his authority and precision. His innings, featuring 18 boundaries, ended at 124 when Shamim Hossain caught and bowled him, but not before he boosted Sri Lanka to a formidable 285/7 in their 50 overs.

Sri Lanka outclass Bangladesh to seal a series victory in the decider

Bangladesh, in their chase of 286, required a strong start but were quickly rattled by Sri Lanka’s fast bowling attack. Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera struck in rapid succession, leaving Bangladesh at 20/2 within four overs. Despite Towhid Hridoy’s resilient 51 and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s quick 28, the visiting team had difficulty maintaining momentum as wickets fell regularly.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept up intense pressure. Asitha and Chameera each claimed three wickets, while Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga both took two. Bangladesh’s chase fell apart quickly after the 30th over, and they were eventually bowled out for 186 in 39.4 overs, giving Sri Lanka a decisive 99-run victory and a 2-1 series win.

Here’s how fans reacted:

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x