Sri Lanka recorded their 8th consecutive ODI series win in home conditions as they outplayed Bangladesh in all facets of the game with Kusal Mendis striking a Player of the Match center piece 124 at Pallekelle a short while ago.
Sri Lanka played the same combination by giving Nishan Madushka another opportunity, but sadly, he failed yet again.
Pathum Nissanka, who was exceptional in the test series, struggled for his 35, vulnerable against stump to stump deliveries, which he must address going forward.
Bangladesh kept Sri Lanka under check up until the 25th over.
Kamindu Mendis is also struggling big time with the bat. The left-hander departed with Sri Lanka on 100 for 3 wickets, and the home team was under pressure.
Skipper Charith Asalanka joined an inform Kusal Mendis, and the pair stitched a fantastic partnership of 124 runs for the 4th wicket.
Mendis’ brilliant 124 runs off 114 balls with 18 boundaries and Charith Asalanka a captain’s innings of 58 off 68 balls with 9 boundaries set up the victory.
What this pair did was a measured approach and took Sri Lanka to 223 for 4 wickets in 40 overs.
Bangladesh came back with a well planned bowling display after they dismissed Charith Asalanka.
Sri Lanka envisioned a 300-plus target but was restricted to 285 for 7 wickets with Taskin Ahmed scalping 2 for 51 and skipper Mehedy Hassan 2 for 48.
Bangladesh was undone by a determined seam attack by Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando.
The tigers lost wickets at regular intervals. Surprisingly, they found Dushmantha Chameera and his pace too hot to negate.
Asitha Fernando was exceptional. Sri Lankan seamers scalped 3 wickets each Dushmantha 3 for 51, Asitha Fernando 3 for 33 , as the pair hunted with excellent line and length to which Bangladesh batters had no answer.
Wanindu Hasaranga seems to always break down. Nursing a hamstring injury, he bowled practically with immense discomfort and scalped 2 for 35.
The Bangladesh batters just could not read his flipper , googly, and even the top spinner.
Wellalage took 2 for 33, and Bangladesh was bowled out for 186 runs , withTowhid Hridoy top scoring with 51 whilst Mehedy Hassan made 28.
T 20 series gets underway on Thursday. It will be interesting if Hasaranga will be fit for selection.