Sri Lanka opened their account in the ICC ODI Super League points table with a 97-run victory over Bangladesh in the third and final ODI at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on 28 May. Tamim Iqbal’s men still took the series 2-1.
Riding on valiant Kusal Perera’s 122-ball 120 and Dhananjaya de Silva’s 55 not out, Sri Lanka posted 286/6 after opting to bat. In reply, apart from Mosaddek Hossain (51) and Mahmudullah (53), the Bangladesh batters were never really in the chase.
Earlier, Kusal Perera and Danushka Gunathilaka (39 off 33) got Sri Lanka off to a flying start, adding an 82-run opening stand in 68 balls. In the 12th over, Taskin Ahmed struck twice to bring Bangladesh back into the contest. Kusal Mendis helped his namesake rebuild the innings. They added 69 runs for the third wicket before Taskin returned and bagged his third of the match by dismissing Mendis (22).
The Lankan skipper carried on and brought up his third ODI hundred against Bangladesh and sixth overall after being dropped thrice – on 66 by Mustafizur Rahman, on 79 by Afif Hossain, and on 99 by Mahmudullah. He smashed 11 fours and a six before falling to Shoriful Islam in the 40th over.
In the late stage, Wanindu Hasaranga (18) and Dhananjaya gave Sri Lanka a decent finish after a short stay of Niroshan Dickwella (7) in his return. The duo added 35 runs to help Sri Lanka end with a challenging 286.
Taskin was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh with figures of 4-46, while Shoriful had one to his name. Both Bangladeshi spinners Shakib and Mehidy Hasan Miraz eventually remained wicketless.
Chasing 287, Bangladesh were rocked back early, credits to Dushmantha Chameera’s magnificent spell with the new ball. Chameera got rid of Tamim Iqbal (17), Mohammad Naim (1) and Shakib (4) within the opening 10 overs. The hosts were struggling at 28/3 at that stage.
Alongside Mosaddek, Mushfiqur Rahim then held the fort for Bangladesh, adding 56 runs for the fourth wicket. In the 24th over, debutant Ramesh Mendis claimed the much-needed wicket for Sri Lanka. He removed Mushfiqur (28), who had been named Player of the Match in each of the first two matches. Mahmudullah and Mosaddek added 41 more runs before Ramesh picked up his second, by dismissing Mosaddek.
Mahmudullah counterattacked with the tailenders, but with the damage had been done early, there was little chance for him to take Bangladesh past the finishing line. In the end, Bangladesh bowled out for 189 in 42.3 overs.
Chameera returned his career-best figures of 5-16 to bag the Player of the Match award. Hasaranga and Ramesh also claimed a couple of wickets each, while Binura Fernando picked up the remaining scalp on his debut.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka 286/6 in 50 overs (Kusal Perera 120; Taskin Ahmed 4-46) beat Bangladesh 189 in 42.3 overs (Mahmudullah 53; Dushmantha Chameera 5-16) by 97 runs. Player of the Match: Dushmantha Chameera.
Bangladesh won the series 2-1. Player of the Series: Mushfiqur Rahim.