Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in the third ODI match by four wickets to bag the three-match series 2-1 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Monday. (More Cricket News)
With this win, Bangladesh has now avenged the loss of the T20I series. Sri Lanka won the shortest-format series 2-1, and Bangladesh has reciprocated the results in the ODI format.
The 21-year-old Rishad Hossain finished the game early for Bangladesh by targeting Wanindu Hasaranga especially as he made 40 runs in just 11 balls of the experienced spinner. He made 48 runs off 18 balls and played a crucial cameo to end the game with four wickets and 58 balls to spare.
Mushfiqur Rahim, the veteran batter hit the winning runs off Maheesh Theekshana's second delivery in the 41st over and made crucial 37 runs off 36 balls.
The chase of 236 runs in the series finale was not easy for Bangladesh as their opener batter suffered a neck injury while fielding and Tanzid Hasan Tamim was roped in as a concussion substitute to open the innings with Amanul Haque.
Both openers gave a good start but Haque holed out to Avishka Fernando in the bowling of Lahiru Kumara. Then Kumara dismissed Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and the next two batters as well to take Sri Lanka back in the game.
But the set batter Tanzid Hasan kept scoring from one end and finally holed out to Charith Asalnak in Haranranga's bowling. He missed his well-deserved maiden century by 16 runs. Bangladesh were still struggling in the match but Rishad Hossain's thumping knock took the game away from Sri Lanka's reach.
Earlier, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and decided to defend runs in the well-set series finale at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
The start was not ideal for Sri Lanka as they lost both the openers within four overs of the play. Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama spent some time at the crease but they also failed to play a long-lasting inning.
Coming at number 6, the 28-year-old Janith Liyanage played a brilliant knock and made his maiden century in his ninth ODI match. Charith Asalanka was the second-highest scorer for Sri Lanka with 37 runs in 46 balls.
With the help of the tailenders, Sri Lanka somehow managed to put up a respectable total of 235 runs on the board. Taskin Ahmed took three wickets whereas Mustafizur Rehman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz grabbed a brace each.
Rishad Hossain was awarded the Player of the Match for his performance and Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was chosen the Player of the Series for his consistent performance in the series.
Now, Sri Lanka will go to Sylhet where they will face their rivals in the red-ball format with the first match starting on Friday, 22 March 2024.
