Kusal Mendis Secures Player of the Match and Series Awards

PALLEKELE: Kusal Mendis’s explosive century, coupled with a strong bowling performance, propelled Sri Lanka to a decisive 99-run victory over Bangladesh in the third and final ODI held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka’s captain, Charith Asalanka, opted to bat first, a decision that proved fruitful as the team’s batting lineup posted a total of 285/7 in their 50 overs.

The start of the innings was shaky, with Nishan Madushka dismissed by Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the fourth over, leaving the score at just 13/1.

Following this initial setback, Kusal joined Pathum Nissanka, and together they forged a 56-run partnership for the second wicket before Nissanka was stumped off Tanvir Islam’s bowling in the 15th over. Nissanka scored 35 from 47 balls, including four boundaries.

Kusal then participated in a brief 31-run partnership for the third wicket with Kamindu Mendis, who contributed 16 runs off 20 balls.

Later, Kusal found solid support from Asalanka, and the pair combined effectively to strengthen Sri Lanka’s position, adding 124 runs for the fourth wicket in 117 balls.

This significant partnership concluded with Asalanka’s dismissal in the 41st over, having scored 58 off 68 balls with nine boundaries.

Kusal then added 25 runs with Janith Liyanage (12) before being caught out off Shamim Hossain’s bowling in the 46th over.

He was Sri Lanka’s highest scorer with 124 runs from 114 balls, hitting 18 boundaries.

Following his exit, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera formed an unbroken 26-run partnership for the eighth wicket, further boosting Sri Lanka’s total.

Hasaranga remained unbeaten with 18 runs off 23 balls, while Chameera scored 10 not out from eight deliveries.

For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed each claimed two wickets, while Shamim, Tanvir, and Sakib secured one each.

In pursuit of a challenging 286-run target, Bangladesh’s batting lineup collapsed, scoring only 186 runs in 39.4 overs, despite a half-century from Towhid Hridoy.

Hridoy fought valiantly for the visitors, scoring 51 off 78 balls, including three fours and a six.

Apart from him, only five other Bangladesh batsmen – Parvez Hossain Emon and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, both scoring 28, Jaker Ali (27), Tanzid Hasan (17), and Shamim (12) – reached double figures, reflecting the struggles of the touring side’s batsmen against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling.

Asitha Fernando and Chameera spearheaded Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, each taking three wickets, while Dunith Wellalage and Hasaranga contributed with two wickets each.

Kusal Mendis was named Player of the Match for his century. He was also awarded Player of the Series for scoring 225 runs in three matches at an impressive average of 75.