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Kusal Mendis Stars as Sri Lanka Clinch 8th Consecutive ODI Series at Home
Sri Lanka defeat Bangladesh by 99 runs in final ODI to seal 2-1 series win in Pallekele
Sri Lanka continued their dominant run in home conditions by defeating Bangladesh by 99 runs in the third and final ODI at Pallekele on July 8, 2025, securing their eighth consecutive ODI series victory at home. The hosts were powered by a sublime century from Kusal Mendis (124) and disciplined bowling from Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Wellalage, and Hasaranga, who collectively dismantled the Bangladeshi lineup.
With this result, Sri Lanka sealed the three-match series 2-1, further boosting their confidence ahead of major international assignments later this year.
Kusal Mendis Anchors Sri Lanka’s Innings with Commanding Ton
Asalanka Provides Crucial Support in Middle Overs
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka overcame an early loss as Nishan Madushka fell in the fourth over to Tanzim Hasan Sakib. A 50-run partnership between Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka provided some stability before Nissanka departed attempting a slog-sweep.
Despite Bangladesh maintaining a tight line and length in the middle overs, Mendis found a reliable partner in stand-in skipper Charith Asalanka. The duo put together a 124-run stand for the fourth wicket, pacing the innings perfectly. Mendis reached his sixth ODI hundred in 95 balls and looked in sublime touch throughout, barring one missed stumping chance.
Asalanka struck a fluent 58 off 67 balls before perishing in the 41st over while trying to accelerate. Mendis continued to steer the innings toward a competitive total, but wickets at regular intervals—especially in the final 10 overs—kept Sri Lanka from breaching the 300-run mark.
They eventually ended on 285/7, thanks to late cameos by Hasaranga and Chameera. Taskin Ahmed (2/51) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (2/48) were the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh.
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Bangladesh’s Chase Falls Apart Under Pressure
Hridoy’s Fifty Goes in Vain as Sri Lanka’s Bowlers Dominate
Bangladesh’s chase got off to a rocky start as Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto fell within the first four overs, reducing the visitors to 20 for 2. Although Towhid Hridoy (51 off 75) offered brief resistance and was supported by Parvez Hossain Emon and Mehidy Hasan, none of the partnerships managed to put significant pressure on the hosts.
Dunith Wellalage struck crucial blows in the middle overs, dismissing Emon and Mehidy, while Hasaranga claimed two key wickets, including the stumping of Shamim Hossain.
From 124 for 5, Bangladesh quickly lost steam. Chameera returned to remove Hridoy and Tanzim in quick succession, and Asitha Fernando wrapped up the tail, finishing with 3/33.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 186 in 39.4 overs, handing Sri Lanka a resounding 99-run win with 10.2 overs to spare.
Full Scorecard Summary
Sri Lanka: 285/7 in 50 overs
(Kusal Mendis 124, Charith Asalanka 58; Mehidy 2-48, Taskin 2-51)
Bangladesh: 186 in 39.4 overs
(Towhid Hridoy 51; Asitha Fernando 3-33, Chameera 3-51, Wellalage 2-33, Hasaranga 2-35)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 99 runs
Series: Sri Lanka won the 3-match series 2-1
Consistent Home Dominance for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s win marked their eighth straight bilateral ODI series victory at home, underlining their growing prowess in limited-overs formats in familiar conditions. With emerging stars like Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, and a consistent core of performers like Kusal Mendis, Asalanka, and Hasaranga, the team is shaping up well ahead of global white-ball events.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and address top-order vulnerabilities that have plagued them throughout this tour.
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