Pallekele [Sri Lanka], July 9: Sri Lanka batter Kusal Mendis delivered a stellar performance, scoring his sixth ODI century to guide his team to a 99-run win over Bangladesh in the series decider at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
With this dominant victory, Sri Lanka clinched the three-match ODI series 2-1, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Mendis struck a brilliant 124 off 115 balls, anchoring Sri Lanka’s innings to a competitive total of 285/7. In response, Bangladesh faltered and were bowled out for just 186, falling short in the run chase.
The right-handed batter was named Player of the Series, having amassed 225 runs across the three games. His match-winning ton was also a personal redemption after missing out in the second ODI, where he was dismissed for 56 during a crucial chase that saw Bangladesh level the series with a 16-run win in Colombo.
Reflecting on his performance, Mendis said, “Very pleased with the knock today. I was disappointed with what happened in Colombo. I had got a start and couldn’t finish. Here I was determined to bat through the innings and very satisfied.”
Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored 28, acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, especially the lack of solid partnerships.
“We just couldn’t put together partnerships like Sri Lanka. They had a big partnership after losing three wickets for 100 runs. Partnerships in the middle overs are crucial. We got a couple of 40s, but winning is hard without these in ODI cricket,” he stated.
The two sides will now shift focus to a three-match T20I series, with the first game scheduled to be played in Pallekele on Thursday.