Bangladesh set target of 286 in second ODI
The innings was built around a commanding performance by Kusal Mendis, who scored a superb 124 runs off a well-paced innings, marking his seventh ODI century.
At the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 285 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Captain Charith Asalanka, who had expressed the intent to post a target beyond 280 runs, saw his team come close to that mark despite some late-innings struggles. This total now sets Bangladesh a challenging target of 286 to chase in the second ODI of the series.
The innings was built around a commanding performance by Kusal Mendis, who scored a superb 124 runs off a well-paced innings, marking his seventh ODI century. Mendis showed a fine blend of patience and aggression, anchoring the innings and guiding the team through crucial phases. Supporting him was skipper Charith Asalanka, who contributed a valuable 58 runs, playing a steady hand to consolidate the innings after early wickets fell. Together, Mendis and Asalanka forged a crucial 124-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which proved to be the backbone of Sri Lanka's innings.
The innings started on a cautious note as Sri Lanka lost Nishan Madushka cheaply in the fourth over, caught at slip off Tanzim Hasan Sakib. However, openers Nissanka and Mendis responded well to steady the ship. Nissanka made a solid contribution of 35 runs, ensuring the team didn't lose momentum early. After 10 overs, Sri Lanka were 51 for 1, with both batsmen looking confident in their approach.
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At the 40-over mark, Sri Lanka were in a strong position at 222 for 3, appearing set to post a big total. However, Bangladesh's bowlers tightened their grip in the final stages, conceding just 63 runs in the last 10 overs. The bowling attack, led by Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, applied pressure at crucial moments. Taskin claimed two important wickets, including that of Dunith Wellalage, who attempted an ambitious off-side shot but was caught superbly by Shamim Hossain at cover. Mehidy also took two wickets, supported by Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanvir Islam, and Shamim Hossain, who chipped in with one wicket each. Mustafizur Rahman, however, was unable to make a breakthrough and finished wicketless.
Sri Lanka's late middle and lower order could not capitalize on the platform provided by the top and middle order, resulting in a slightly below-par finish given the strong position at 222 for 3 after 40 overs. The final total of 285 for 7 is nonetheless a competitive score on a ground where chasing teams have had a fair degree of success historically.
For Bangladesh, the target of 286 is demanding but not insurmountable. At Pallekele, only three teams have previously chased down totals exceeding 285, making this a rare and challenging feat. However, the venue has favored teams batting second, with 25 of the 42 completed matches being won by the chasing side, giving Bangladesh reason to be optimistic heading into their innings.
Sri Lanka: 285/7 in 50 overs (Kusal Mendis 124, Asalanka 58, Nissanka 35; Taskin 2-51, Miraz 2-48, Tanzim 2-41, Tanvir 1-61, Shamim 1-30)
