Sri Lanka lose series after another batting flop

Sri Lanka’s batting lacked intent or purpose needed for a series decider as they crashed to a four-wicket loss with 58 ball to spare in the third ODI against Bangladesh in Chittagong yesterday. The series was levelled at 1-1 and with the final game being a day match and dew not affecting teams, the tourists had a fine opportunity but their batting was a huge letdown.

The in form Pathum Nissanka was given out leg before wicket in the second over but didn’t review the decision. Had he done so, the decision would have been overturned.

Avishka Fernando’s horror tour continued as he was dismissed for four. In six innings on this tour, he has crossed double figures only once.

Sadeera Samarawickrama had been dismissed for four single digit scores in his past four games and although he went on to make 14, the team needed much more from him.

Many had expected Kamindu Mendis to replace either Sadeera or Avishka but the selectors opted for the same batting unit.

Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage all threw away their wickets and at 154 for seven, Sri Lanka were staring down the barrel.

If not for Janith Liyanage’s maiden ODI hundred, Sri Lanka would have fared much worse. He shared a 60-run stand for the eighth wicket with Maheesh Theekshana, who was making a comeback to the team.

A total of 235 was way below expectations, especially in a series decider. Although Bangladesh chased it inside 41overs, the scoreboard pressure would have tested the hosts.

Bangladesh bowlers were on the money. Their quicks didn’t send down too many loose balls while the spinners toyed with the Sri Lankans’ patience and were richly rewarded.

Lahiru Kumara kept Sri Lanka interested with career best figures of four for 48 but there was not much support for him.

Maheesh Theekshana once again failed to pick up a wicket. This is the fourth game in a row he had gone without a wicket.

At one point Bangladesh needed 58 with four wickets in hand and Sri Lanka could have still made a game out of it. But Man of the Match Rishad Hossain turned the game on its head with some clean hits smashing 48 off 18 balls. He hit the first ball of his innings for six off Hasaranga and scored 16 runs off the over.

The Bangladeshi leg-spinner sealed the game in his side’s favour when Hasaranga came on to bowl the 40th over of the innings when he scored 24 runs in the first five balls as Sri Lanka suffered an embarrassing defeat.