Wed. Jul 30th, 2025

Kusal Mendis Powers Sri Lanka to 8th Consecutive ODI Series Triumph

Kusal Mendis’s Heroics Seal Sri Lanka’s Dominance at Home

In a stunning display of class and composure, Kusal Mendis led Sri Lanka to their 8th consecutive ODI series win at home, guiding his team to a commanding victory against Bangladesh in the third and final ODI at Pallekele on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. His magnificent 124-run knock—his sixth century in One Day Internationals—along with a clinical team bowling performance, helped Sri Lanka secure a 99-run win and clinch the series 2-1.

This victory not only cements Sri Lanka’s dominance at home but also further boosts their position in the ODI team rankings 2025. The win reflects the team’s consistent performance in home conditions, with both bat and ball firing in unison.

Sri Lanka Posts a Formidable Total After Early Wobble

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to set a competitive target on a pitch that traditionally favors spinners in the second half. However, they suffered an early jolt when Nishan Madushka, after hitting a couple of eye-catching boundaries, fell for 12, caught by Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the fourth over.

From there, the experienced Kusal Mendis steadied the innings alongside Pathum Nissanka. The duo played cautiously at first, ensuring no further early damage, and took the score to 51/1 after 10 overs. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened their lines and lengths, making scoring difficult. The pressure finally paid off for the visitors as Nissanka was caught while attempting an aggressive slog-sweep off Tanvir Islam for 32.

Sri Lanka needed to rebuild, and Kamindu Mendis joined Kusal at the crease. They stitched a brief partnership, playing some attractive shots, but Kamindu fell leg-before to Mehidy Hasan Miraz after making 17, just as Sri Lanka reached the 100-run mark in the 21st over.

Mendis and Asalanka’s Partnership Lays the Foundation

With three wickets down, the pressure was firmly on Kusal Mendis. However, he found the perfect partner in Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan skipper, who has been in good form throughout the year. The duo played smart cricket, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries.

They added a crucial 124-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which shifted the momentum back in Sri Lanka’s favor. Asalanka notched up a fluent 58 off 61 balls, while Mendis anchored the innings with his calculated aggression.

Kusal reached his century in style, taking just 95 balls—a reminder of his ability to pace his innings perfectly. Despite a rare missed stumping chance during his innings, Mendis was in complete control, finding gaps and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

The partnership finally broke in the 41st over, when Asalanka tried to clear long-on but fell to Taskin Ahmed, leaving Sri Lanka at 224/4.

Late Overs Drama as Bangladesh Fights Back

Heading into the final overs, all eyes were on Mendis to take Sri Lanka past the 300-run mark, but Bangladesh’s bowlers staged a comeback. They bowled tightly, restricting boundaries, and took crucial wickets at the right moments.

Mendis tried to up the ante but eventually fell for 124, giving a return catch to Shamim Hossain after a leading edge. Sri Lanka soon lost a couple more wickets, including Dunith Wellalage and Janith Liyanage, as the innings seemed to falter.

However, some handy lower-order hitting from Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera pushed the total to 285/7. Bangladesh’s bowlers, especially Mustafizur Rahman who delivered an excellent final over, ensured that Sri Lanka couldn’t fully capitalize in the death overs.

Bangladesh Falters in the Chase Despite Hridoy’s Resistance

Chasing 286 on a pitch offering assistance to seamers and spinners alike, Bangladesh got off to a poor start. Tanzid Hasan Tamim played some aggressive strokes early on but chopped one onto his stumps off Asitha Fernando for 17, leaving Bangladesh at 20/1.

Things got worse for Bangladesh when their experienced batter and former captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, was bowled for a duck by a fiery delivery from Dushmantha Chameera.

Despite losing two wickets early, Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy attempted a brief recovery. However, Emon’s attacking approach cost him his wicket as he was caught at deep mid-wicket off Wellalage for 19, trying to force the pace.

Sri Lanka’s Bowlers Seal the Game with a Clinical Display

Mehidy Hasan Miraz tried to counter-attack and entertained the crowd with a series of boundaries, even smashing Chameera for a six—the first of the innings. However, Wellalage struck again, luring Mehidy out of the crease for 27, resulting in a simple catch at long-off.

Bangladesh’s hopes rested on Towhid Hridoy, who played a gritty innings, reaching his half-century in 75 balls. But his dismissal soon after reaching the milestone—bowled by Chameera—effectively sealed Bangladesh’s fate.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers continued to dominate as Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Wellalage, and Hasaranga shared the wickets between them. Bangladesh eventually folded for 186 in just 39.4 overs, handing Sri Lanka a resounding 99-run victory.

Key Highlights from the Series Decider

Kusal Mendis: 124 runs (Player of the Match)
Charith Asalanka: 58 runs (crucial partnership-builder)
Dushmantha Chameera: 3/51 (crucial early and middle-order strikes)
Asitha Fernando: 3/33 (strong opening spell)
Dunith Wellalage: 2/33 (middle-over breakthroughs)
Wanindu Hasaranga: 2/35 (wrapped up the tail)
Towhid Hridoy: 51 runs (lone bright spot for Bangladesh)

Sri Lanka’s ODI Dominance Continues

With this victory, Sri Lanka extended their home ODI series winning streak to eight—their longest run since 2012-2014. This latest triumph over Bangladesh sends a strong message to other cricketing nations ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled later this year.

Sri Lanka’s strong performances with both bat and ball highlight the depth and balance of their squad. With Kusal Mendis in scintillating form, Charith Asalanka leading confidently, and the bowling unit consistently delivering under pressure, Sri Lanka looks poised for further success in upcoming international cricket fixtures.

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka’s dominance in home conditions remains unmatched, and their eighth straight bilateral ODI series win proves their consistency. For Bangladesh, however, the series exposed their vulnerabilities in both batting and bowling, with key players failing to deliver under pressure.

As cricket fans await the next contests, Sri Lanka’s performance in this series will surely remain a talking point in the latest cricket news across Asia and beyond.