Kusal's Century Crushes Bangladesh in Pallekele

COLOMBO (News 1st); In a thrilling encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka clinched a dominant victory over Bangladesh by 99 runs, thanks to a stellar century from Kusal Mendis and a disciplined bowling performance.

Batting first, Sri Lanka faced early pressure as their top order crumbled, losing three wickets for just 100 runs.

However, the innings was revived by a resilient fourth-wicket partnership between Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis, who added 124 runs to stabilize the innings.

Asalanka played a composed knock, scoring 58 runs with 9 boundaries, while Mendis stole the spotlight with his sixth ODI century. His masterclass innings of 124 runs came off a flurry of strokes, including 18 boundaries, showcasing his form and finesse.

Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 285 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs.

In response, Bangladesh faltered under pressure, managing only 186 runs before being bowled out. The Sri Lankan pace duo of Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando shared the spoils, claiming three wickets apiece and dismantling the Bangladeshi batting lineup.