Kusal Mendis Leads Sri Lanka to ODI Series Victory Against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka Secures Series Win with Mendis' Stellar Performance

Pallekele [Sri Lanka], July 9: Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan batter, achieved his sixth ODI century, propelling the home team to a convincing 99-run victory over Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

This triumph allowed Sri Lanka to clinch the three-match ODI series with a 2-1 scoreline, as reported by the International Cricket Council (ICC) official website.

Mendis delivered an impressive performance, scoring 124 runs off just 115 balls, helping Sri Lanka post a total of 285/7 in the decisive match. Bangladesh struggled in their response, getting bowled out for 186.

With this win, Sri Lanka secured the series 2-1, and Mendis was honored as the Player of the Series for accumulating 225 runs throughout the three matches.

For Mendis, this match was a chance for redemption after he was dismissed for 56 in the second match of the series in Colombo, where Bangladesh managed to level the series with a narrow 16-run victory.

Expressing his satisfaction post-match, Mendis said, “I am very pleased with my performance today. I was disappointed with my previous outing in Colombo where I couldn't finish the innings after getting a good start. Today, I was determined to bat through and I am very satisfied with my contribution.”

Bangladesh's captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, lamented the absence of significant partnerships during their innings, with only six batters reaching double figures, the highest being his own 28. He noted, “We failed to build partnerships like Sri Lanka did. They managed a substantial partnership after losing three wickets for 100 runs. Partnerships in the middle overs are vital, and while we had a couple of 40s, winning is challenging without them in ODI cricket.”

The two teams are set to compete in a three-match T20I series, with the first match scheduled for Thursday in Pallekele.