Kusal Mendis Helps Sri Lanka Crush Bangladesh By 99 Runs To Seal ODI Series
Since that setback, Sri Lanka has won seven out of nine ODI series, including notable wins against cricket powerhouses Australia and India.
'This is probably one of our best games," Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka remarked. 'We were under pressure and wanted to win badly, and Kusal Mendis was superb today. Scoring 285 gave us confidence, making the bowlers' job easier."
The key cricketer in the series-deciding victory over Bangladesh was indeed Mendis, who answered his critics with 124 runs off 114 deliveries, his sixth ODI hundred.
The wicketkeeper-batter faced scrutiny after his rash dismissal in Sri Lanka's 16-run loss in the second ODI in Colombo. However, at Pallekele, with the series at stake, Mendis anchored the innings and rebuilt it with a mature knock featuring 18 fours.
Coming in during the fourth over, Mendis formed a crucial 124-run stand for the fourth wicket with skipper Asalanka, setting the foundation for a competitive total.
'I'm very pleased with my performance today. I was disappointed with my outing in Colombo. I got a start but couldn't finish," said Mendis, who was named man of the match and player of the series. 'Today, I was determined to bat through the innings and am very satisfied."
At one point, the hosts seemed poised for a 300-plus total, but Bangladesh fought back with tight death bowling to restrict them to 285/7.
The target proved too challenging once the tourists' top order collapsed. Dushmantha Chameera, returning after more than a year out because of injury, was formidable with the new ball.
The right-arm quick bowled in-form Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) with a ball that jagged back to hit the top of off stump. Towhid Hridoy offered some resistance with a fifty, but Chameera returned to breach his defense with another sharp in-swinging ball.
Chameera finished with 3/51 and was well-supported by Asitha Fernando, who claimed three wickets as well.
The sides will now compete in a three-match T20I series beginning Thursday, at Pallekele as well.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
34 minutes ago
- Hans India
Sachin Tendulkar's portrait unveiled at Lord's MCC museum
London: A new portrait of Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was unveiled at the MCC Museum at Lord's ahead of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy third Test match between England and India. Painted by British artist Stuart Pearson Wright, the artwork captures a larger-than-life image of Tendulkar's head and shoulders and will remain in the museum before being moved to the Pavilion later this year. This is the fifth portrait of an Indian player in the MCC's famous collection and the fourth painted by Pearson Wright. Unlike his earlier full-length paintings of Kapil Dev, Bishan Bedi and Dilip Vengsarkar, this portrait takes a different approach with a close-up composition and an abstract background. Before the start of the third England vs India Test, Sachin Tendulkar had the honour of ringing the iconic five-minute bell at Lord's. Introduced in 2007, the tradition is one of cricket's most cherished, reserved for players who have left a lasting mark on the game - making Tendulkar a fitting choice for the occasion. The painting is based on a photograph the artist took at Tendulkar's home in Mumbai 18 years ago. Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket in 2013, is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of all time. He scored 34,357 international runs across formats - over 6,000 more than the next highest, Kumar Sangakkara. Speaking about the honour, Tendulkar said, 'In 1983, when India won the World Cup, it was my first introduction to Lord's. I saw our captain, Kapil Dev, lift the trophy. That moment sparked my cricketing journey. Today, with my portrait going up inside the Pavilion, life feels like it's come full circle.' Pearson Wright explained his creative choice and said, 'MCC wanted something different from the previous portraits, so I focused on Sachin's face and used a heroic scale. The abstract background allows his features to stand out without placing him in a specific time or place.' The Lord's Portrait Programme has been running for over 30 years, but MCC's art collection dates back to the Victorian era. With nearly 300 portraits among 3,000 artworks, it remains one of the richest sporting collections in the world. Charlotte Goodhew, MCC's Collections and Programmes Manager, said, 'It's wonderful to add such a transcendental figure as Sachin Tendulkar to our portrait collection. Unveiling it during an England–India Test makes it even more special for fans visiting Lord's.'
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Ultimate greatest XI in football history according to ChatGPT: Full list and surprising picks inside
Ultimate greatest XI in football history according to ChatGPT: Full list and surprising picks inside (Image Via X) Everyone loves talking about the best football players ever. But this time, it wasn't a human picking the team, it was AI. In July 2025, football magazine FourFourTwo asked ChatGPT to name the greatest XI of all time. The AI used past records, big trophies, and player impact to create its dream lineup. Some names were expected, others left fans debating. So who made the list? And what did ChatGPT say about them? Lev Yashin was picked as the best goalkeeper ever ChatGPT named Lev Yashin as its number one goalkeeper. He played for the Soviet Union and is still the only goalie to win the Ballon d'Or. He was known for saving hard shots and leading his team from the back. Cafu chosen for his fast runs and strong defense Brazil's Cafu was picked as the best right-back. ChatGPT noted his speed, energy, and leadership. He played in three World Cup finals (1994, 1998, and 2002), winning two. Franz Beckenbauer selected for changing how defenders play Franz Beckenbauer from Germany made it into the center-back spot. He was praised for his smart play and for starting attacks from defense. He won the World Cup as both a player (1974) and a coach (1990). Paolo Maldini added for his long and loyal career Paolo Maldini, who played 25 years for AC Milan, was chosen as the second center-back. ChatGPT said he was calm, smart, and always in control. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Искате да научите повече за новото BMW 2 Gran Coupe? BMW Научете повече Undo He won five Champions League titles. Roberto Carlos included for his attacking left-back style Brazil's Roberto Carlos made it as left-back. Known for his long runs and powerful free kicks, he helped change how full-backs attack. Xavi selected for controlling the game with passes ChatGPT picked Spain's Xavi in midfield. He was praised for his short passes, control, and leading Barcelona and Spain to many trophies during the 2008–2012 golden years. Zinedine Zidane praised for his big-game talent Zinedine Zidane from France was picked for his elegant play. ChatGPT highlighted his famous Champions League goal in 2002 and his World Cup win in 1998. Also Read: Messi Vs Ronaldo: Ultimate Battle Between Trophy Glory And Goal Scoring Greatness Diego Maradona included for solo match-winning magic Diego Maradona was named as the attacking midfielder. ChatGPT said his dribbling and goals made him a football legend, especially in the 1986 World Cup. Lionel Messi named as the best right-winger and all-time GOAT Messi was picked for the right wing. ChatGPT even called him 'the greatest footballer of all time,' citing his 2022 World Cup win, 4 UCL titles, and amazing dribbling. Pele placed on the left for scoring and skill Pele was chosen on the left wing. He won three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and scored over 1,000 goals in his career, which ChatGPT called 'football's gold standard.' Cristiano Ronaldo picked as the main striker Cristiano Ronaldo got the center-forward role. ChatGPT liked his speed, strong headers, and five Ballon d'Or wins. It also mentioned his success in England, Spain, and Italy. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
India.com
38 minutes ago
- India.com
Big India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Update, As BCCI Seeks Narendra Modis Government Clearance
With the Asia Cup 2025 fast approaching, cricket fans are eagerly waiting for clarity on whether the tournament will go ahead as planned. The BCCI has reached out to the Indian government for a green light, especially regarding India's matches against Pakistan which is majorly a point of concern given the current political tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. India and Pakistan have almost gone to a war after innocent civilians were killed brutally at Pahalgam and later India launched Operation sindoor attacking different terrorist basecamps in Pakistan. India's participation in the tournament now depends entirely on the government's decision. As the host nation, the BCCI is under pressure to make an announcement soon but doesn't want to move forward without official approval. UAE As Backup Host? The Asia Cup is supposed to kick off on September 5, with India vs Pakistan scheduled for September 7. But according to Sports Tak, the BCCI had already drafted a backup plan to host the tournament in the UAE, even before the Pahalgam incident. If things don't settle politically, that plan could quickly come into play. A source familiar with the situation said, 'We had the UAE option lined up earlier. But now, with how things have changed, we'll go with whatever the government decides.' Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have been picked as the venues if the tournament is moved. BCCI Pushes to Change ACC Meeting Venue Meanwhile, the BCCI has asked for a change in venue for the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting, which is currently scheduled for July 24 in Dhaka. The board has raised safety concerns about traveling to Bangladesh and has formally requested the meeting be held somewhere else. If that doesn't happen, they might skip the meeting entirely. 'Given the current political situation in Bangladesh, we didn't think it was right to travel there. We've informed the ACC about this and asked them to change the location,' the source added. Asia Cup Format And Alternative Plans This year's Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format, making it an ideal warm-up for the T20 World Cup, which India is set to host early next year. It gives teams a good chance to test their lineups and strategies before the big event. If the Asia Cup doesn't get the government's go-ahead, the BCCI is also considering organizing a tri-series during the same window. Earlier, India was scheduled to travel to Bangladesh for an ODI and T20I series in August, but that tour got postponed. In response, Sri Lanka Cricket has proposed hosting India for a white-ball series with the same number of matches. That could open the door for veteran stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli who've stepped away from Tests and T20Is to return in Indian colours for some limited-overs action
