Sri Lanka Clinch ODI Series as Bangladesh Fall Short in Pallekele Decider

Bangladesh’s dream of winning their first-ever ODI series on Sri Lankan soil ended in disappointment, as they slumped to a heavy 99-run defeat in the series-deciding third ODI at the scenic Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

Sri Lanka, winning the toss, chose to bat first and posted 285 for 7, thanks largely to a superb century from captain Kusal Mendis (124) and a solid fifty from Charith Asalanka. Lower down the order, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera added vital late runs to push the total to a competitive 285 despite a strong death-overs fightback from Bangladesh.

At one stage Sri Lanka were cruising at 222 for 3 after 40 overs, but disciplined bowling from Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman in the final 10 overs limited them to just 63 runs while picking up 4 wickets.

Chasing 286—what would have been their highest-ever successful ODI chase against Sri Lanka—Bangladesh never really got going. The batting lineup collapsed well short of the target, bowled out for just 186. None of the batters could anchor the innings as Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals.

With this commanding win, Sri Lanka sealed the series 2–1 and strengthened their proud record at Pallekele. For Bangladesh, it was a frustrating end to a tour that had promised the chance for historic success on Sri Lankan soil, but ultimately fell short when it mattered most.