Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, BAN in SL, 3 ODIs, 2025 Jul 8 Full score card

OUT! CAUGHT! That is it, it's all over. Wanindu Hasaranga bowls another leg break around off. Tanvir Islam gets enticed for the slog sweep and lines it up but hits it straight to deep mid-wicket. Nishan Madushka who is patrolling the fence takes the catch and Hasaranga finishes things up for Sri Lanka. SRI LANKA WIN BY 99 RUNS!

FOUR! Drops it a bit short and on off, turning it into the left-hander. Tanvir Islam rocks back and pulls it high, in between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

Googly again, outside off, Islam looks to cut but misses.

On a dragged length on off, punched away to covers.

Another fine yorker, around middle, Mustafizur Rahman digs it out. Just that six from the over, and a wicket, Asitha Fernando's bowling figures read 7-0-33-3.

Mustafizur Rahman is the last man in, replacing Jaker Ali.

OUT! BOWLED! This was coming. With nothing much left in the match, only one proper batter around, trying to get some quick runs, there had to be one which would be missed. Asitha keeps it on a length, targetted towards the stumps, outside off, coming in, Jaker Ali has a wild swipe, only to miss. The ball goes past the bat and crashes into the off stump. Wicket number 3 for Asitha. Normally, Jaker plays clean shots but the frustrating situation got the better out of him. He departs for 27 (35) and from 105/3, Bangladesh have slipped to 182/9.

Excellent comeback. Slower ball yorker, 115 kph, outside off, Jaker cannot get it away.

SIX! Swung away over the ropes. Fernando takes pace off and drops it short over middle and leg. Jaker Ali gets inside the line, picks it up and heaves it over the backward square leg fence for a biggie.

Full and straight, Jaker Ali hangs deep, clears the front leg and drills it down to long on. Another dot.

Excellent fielding! A bit slower and shorter on middle, Jaker Ali gets inside the line and pulls it to the left of short fine leg. The fielder over there dives in and deflects it across to deep square leg. Jaker doesn't take the single.

FOUR! Jaker Ali isn't interested in taking a single or even a double which was on but the ball has rolled away into the fence. Looped up, full and on leg, Tanvir Islam gets the slightest of tickles on it and the ball goes into the fine leg fence.

On a dragged length and around off, blocked off the back foot towards cover.

Flighted ball outside off, dips and holds its line, Tanvir Islam leans on to block but is beaten past the outside edge.

Around the wicket to the left-hander, pushed through quicker and around off. Tanvir Islam blocks it off.

Tossed up on off and middle, Ali brings out the sweep and gets it just behind square leg and gets a single.

Gives it a nice loop and lands it full on off and middle, Jaker Ali watchfully blocks it off.

Full and around leg, Islam hangs deep in the crease and ficks it to mid-wicket.

A slowish bumper, well short and over leg, Islam backs away to take it on but is well beaen.

Tanvir Islam is the new batter in.

OUT! TIMBER! Asitha Fernando brings out another slower delivery and bowls it full of a good length and on off. The ball angles away from the left-hander and Taskin Ahmed looks to hop back and work it leg side. Taskin gets an inside edge that goes back onto the stumps and the bails get dislodged. A wicket of Asitha on his return to the attack as well and Bangladesh are 8 down for 171.

Slower ball into the pitch, Jaker Ali walks across the off stump to pull but gets it off the gloves and towards square leg for just a single.

Keeps the length full and gets it to tail back in as well, Jaker hangs back and jams it out to covers.

Pitches the ball up around fourth stump, a bit slower, Ali plays it out to mid off.

Into the pitch and on off, Taskin defends it back onto the deck.

On middle and leg, flicked down to fine leg for a single.

Nagging length and around off, this one nips away from the batter. Ali looks to wrist it away on the leg side but miscues it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Nicely struck! A bit too full and on off, Jaker Ali lunges and lofts it up and over to the right of mid off and picks up a boundary.

Flatter one, angled in towards middle, Ali backs away and mistimes the cut to short cover.

Nagging length on middle and leg, Jake tries to back away but ends up just blocking it off.

Hard length on off and angling in, Jaker gets inside the line and taps it through mid-wicket for a single.

Wide. Bowls it fuller and darts it down the leg side for a wide.

Back of a length and wide outside off, Taskin Ahmed throws his hands at it and carves it away behind square on the off side for a single.

Taskin Ahmed is in next.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Searing pace from Dushmantha Chameera as he serves this one at 146 kph and on a good length in the channel. Gets the ball to just nip away off the deck and Tanzim Hasan Sakib is pushed back, tentatively poking at the ball. The outside edge is found and it goes just to the right of the keeper and Kusal Mendis gobbles up the easy chance. A third wicket for Chameera and Bangladesh are now 162/7!

Wide. Banged in well short and around off, Tanzim ducks under it but it is too high and a wide is called.

Good length on the stumps, Jaker walks inside the line and tucks it down to long leg for a single.

Slower one, a bit full and on off, Jaker Ali presses back and nudges it to short fine leg looking for a single but it isn't there.

Hard length on the pads, flicked off the hips and down to deep backward square leg for a single.

Nagging length, darted into the pads, Ali defends it right under the eyes.

Fired in, full and straight, pushed down to long on for one.

The away-drifter, a bit short on off, Tanzim Hasan Sakib defends it from the crease.

Very full and on off and middle, another wrong'un, Sakib jams it back to the bowler.

A tad short and outside off, it is the googly that turns in. Jaker rocks back and punches it in front of point for a single.

Nagging length on middle, this one slides on with the arm. Ali is late but manages to jam it out.

Sloppy fielding! Hard length in the channel, Tanzim Hasan Sakib gets stuck to the crease and just punches it towards cover where the fielder lets it through. The ball goes to deep cover and the batters get a couple of runs.

Oh, that's sharp from Chameera! A quick bumper over off, right around head height and zipping through. Tanzim Hasan Sakib just about manages to duck under it.

Full and straight, a hint of tail back in, flicked away to deep mid-wicket for another single.

Back of a length and outside off, tentatively played off the back foot and through backward point for a single.

DRINKS BREAK! Sri Lanka in complete control of the game, especially with the wicket of Tawhid Hridoy and Bangladesh still need 133 runs off 106 balls with just 4 wickets in hand. The issue for Bangladesh has been the lack of a big stand and these 30-40 run stands in between aren't doing them any good. The hosts have done brilliantly to keep picking up wickets and haven't allowed the visitors to get back into the game. Also, Tanzim Hasan Sakib walks out at number 8, replacing Tawhid Hridoy.

OUT! CLEANS HIM UP! Dushmantha Chameera returns to the attack and provides what could be the telling blow to Bangladesh. Chameera steams in from over the stumps and bowls a good-length ball at 137 kph on off and gets it to nip back in off the deck. Tawhid Hridoy leans forward to play down the line but the ball goes through the big gap between bat and pad and knocks over the top of off. The Lankans are delighted as Hridoy has to walk back for a fighting 51 off 78 balls.

Fuller in length and on off, Hridoy leans on and plays it to mid off.

FOUR! Floated up on leg, Jaker Ali gets inside the line and sweeps it past short fine leg. Dunith Wellalage from deep square leg, runs to his right and dives in to save the boundary. Two runs taken and the third umpire is just having a look at the stop. A few replays are checked and it seems like Wellalage's body was in contact with the ball when he flicked it back in. It will be a boundary. 11 off the over!

Oh, edged away! Flighted ball around off, Jaker Ali leans on to push at it but gets an outside edge wide of the keeper and down to deep third. Wanindu Hasaranga at short third won't chase after it and the batters feel it will go to the fence. However, Janith Liyanage from short fine leg runs after it and dives in to save a couple of runs. Could have easily been a third run there.

Short and on middle, punched away off the back foot to long on for a single.

Short again and outside off, cut away firmly by Tawhid Hridoy and well behind point for a couple of runs more. That will be a 9th ODI FIFTY for Hridoy and he's played a fighting knock here and gets a warm applause from the dressing room.

Much fuller and darted in at the stumps, blocked off by Hridoy.

Short and outside off, Tawhid Hridoy rocks back to cut but hits it uppishly and to the left of the cover fielder. Picks up a couple of runs, does Hridoy and moves to 48.

Into the pitch and on off, stays low, Tawhid Hridoy waits and plays it through point for another single.

Flatter delivery outside off, Ali taps it down behind point and scampers through for a single.

Quick and fractionally short around off, jammed away towards backward point for a run.

A bit fuller and on off, skidding on, Hridoy pushes it dow to mid off.

Pushed through quicker at 101 kph and on middle, Jaker gets squared up and edges it through the point region for one more.

Theekshana returns to the attack and starts with a flatter delivery on middle. Tawhid Hridoy rocks back and punches it down to long on for a single.

Short and wide, cut away behind point for just a single.

Wide. Full and angled down the leg side, wide called.

Flighted ball, around off and turning away slightly, Hridoy plays it late and dabs it to the right of short third.

Pushed through flat and around off, this one holds in the deck, punched away from the crease to mid off.

A lot slower, 81 kph, tossed up, around leg stump, Tawhid Hridoy works it towards short mid-wicket.

Slightly shorter, 87 kph, on middle, Jaker punches it towards long on for a single.

Down the leg side, Jaker Ali sweeps it straight to short fine leg.

Another spinner. Here comes Kamindu Mendis.

Nagging length, angled in towards middle and leg. Tawhid Hridoy tucks it neatly down to long leg and calls for two right away. The fielder from deep square leg has to cover quite a distance to his right and they get two runs with ease.

Floats it up a bit, full and on middle, pushed away well to the right of the bowler and down to long on for one.

Nagging length on off, Ali jams it out into the off side.

Comes down the track again and bunts this towards long on, for a single. Moves to 40. Playing well, but who can support him from the other end?

SIX! Clean as a whistle! Flighted, outside off, Hridoy dances down, gets to the pitch of the ball and lofts it beautifully over wide long off! 156 more needed from 130 balls. A boundary after 30 deliveries!

The arm ball, 87 kph, short in length, outside off, Tawhid Hridoy punches it towards cover.

A wicket maiden for Wanindu Hasaranga! Tosses this one up wide of the off stump, Jaker Ali picks the googly and lunges across to defend it off.

Tossed up on middle, blocked back to the bowler.

Oh, that turned big! Flighted on off, another googly and this time, it turns back in a long way. Jaker Ali is beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the pads.

The leg spinner, around middle, Jaker Ali defends.

A googly to the new batter, defended to the leg side.

Jaker Ali walks in next, at number 7, replacing Shamim Hossain. This is now the last recognized batting pair.

OUT! STUMPED! Great work by Kusal Mendis but his reactions suggested that he did not think that was gone. The googly, outside off, Shamim Hossain walked into the shot, looking to work the ball on the leg side, but was nowhere near the pitch of the ball and missed the ball completely. He seemed to be gone for all money as the keeper had enough time to collect the ball. Now, here came the drama. The batter was comfortably out of the ground as the bails were dislodged but the ball was not in Mendis' gloves. He was not sure and the umpire at point referred it upstairs. The replay shows that the stumping is affected cleanly but then, the lack of control of the ball creates doubts. The umpire keeps checking for replays and eventually, comes to the conclusion that the glove did disrupt the bails but the ball was in contact just about then, before falling over. OUT flashes on the giant screen and Shamim has to depart, for 12 (18). From 105/3, Bangladesh are now 124/5! Equation - 162 from 137.

MISSED STUMPING? The decision has been referred upstairs but the ball was not in the gloves of the keeper at all. Did it deflect onto the stumps? No, in fact, it is a clean stumping! A bit of drama as while affecting the stumping, Kusal lost the ball.

BEATEN! A bit more guile from Wellalage, tossing it up wide outside off. Tawhid Hridoy is drawn into the drive but gets beaten past the outside edge.

Flatter on leg, worked away towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Floated up and angled across off, Shamim hops across to cover the line and plays it back to the bowler.

Short, outside off, bounces sharply, Shamim Hossain is trying for the cut but has to adjust due to the steep bounce. Manages to fend it down.

The arm ball, around off, punched back to the bowler.

Tossed up, outside off, Tawhid Hridoy jumps down the track and drives it towards long off for a single.

Very full and outside off, Shamim Hossain moves past the leg stump and barely reaches the delivery, and toe-ends it to mid off.

Drops it short and around off, Tawhid Hridoy cuts it off the back foot and to deep cover for a single.

Flighted ball, full and on leg, Hridoy pushes it straight to short mid-wicket. Another dot!

A touch short, outside off, Tawhid Hridoy punches it straight to point.

Around off, watchfully defended.

Full, around middle and leg, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.

121/4 is the score. 19/1 in the last 5 overs. After 25 overs, Sri Lanka were 120/3.

Short again, outside off, Hridoy slaps the cut towards point, who fumbles and concedes a single.

Full, around off, Tanvir Islam drives it back to the bowler.

Landed outside off, Shamim Hossain looks to cut but gets a bottom edge which goes past the keeper. A single to short third.

Short, outside off, cut through point for a run. Moves to 30, does Hridoy.

Short, around off, punched towards mid on.

Down the leg side, worked through square leg for a single.

Outside off, cut through point for a single.

Has the googly trapped the batter in front? And, has Hasaranga done some mischief to himself? The googly, around leg stump, Shamim Hossain came forward to defend but missed. The ball spun away and hit him on the back pad. A confident Hasaranga appealed for LBW, running in excitement but in that motion, did something to his hamstring. He started to limp and Sri Lanka's immediate concern was their star player, as the umpire kept silent on the appeal. Eventually, with 5 seconds left on the clock, Asalanka signalled for the review, with the only discussion being the pitching and the point of impact. But here comes the suspense killer. UltraEdge detects a spike when the ball is near the bat! Decision stays and Sri Lanka are done with their reviews! Thankfully, Hasaranga is continuing bowling.

Thrown up, around middle and leg, 82 kph, Shamim lunges to defend.

Tossed up, a bit slowly, 81 kph, Tawhid Hridoy punches it through point for a run.

On middle, worked through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Not all that short, around off, Shamim Hossain goes back quickly, creates his own length and punches it through the covers for a boundary!

Wanindu Hasaranga is back on. Change of ends for him. 4-0-18-0 so far.

Nearly gone! Flighted, on middle and leg, Tawhid comes down the track and looks to flick but is not quite to the pitch of the ball. Gets a leading edge which goes back to the bowler but lands just short!

The arm ball now, on middle and leg, pushed towards mid-wicket.

Better from the batter, comes forward and meets the full ball right under his eyes, with a forward defense.

Delivered with a bit of a round-arm action, around off, Hridoy defends it a bit awkwardly.

Short, outside off, 83 kph, Tawhid Hridoy punches it straight to mid off.

Around off, swung towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Good running again. On middle and leg, Hossain works it through the off side and charges across, before point or cover can come across.

Around off, punched straight to mid off.

A decent bouncer, on middle, Shamim lets it go past.

A touch short again, tucked through square leg for a run.

Change of gloves for Tawhid Hridoy.

A touch short, around off, Shamim Hossain punches it towards point who fumbles and allows Shamim to get off the mark with a single. 179 more needed from 172 balls.

A short ball, outside off, Tawhid Hridoy pulls it to the right of mid on and takes Wanindu Hasaranga on. Not much effort put in by Hasaranga and understandably so, given his hamstring. Still, he does well to stop the ball and fires a throw at the bowler's end, catching Hridoy off guard as he has to dive in. The throw misses the stumps.

Shamim Hossain walks in next, at number 6, replacing his skipper, Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Asitha Fernando returns as well. 4-0-22-1 so far.

OUT! CAUGHT! For once, Mehidy mistimes one and it proves to be very costly for him and his side. Tossed up, outside off, pace taken off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz jumps down the track and looks to go over cover. But he is not quite to the pitch of the ball and ends up skewing it slightly. The mistimed shot goes straight to wide long off where Janith Liyanage pockets it calmly. The 43-run stand is broken and the skipper departs after looking good for a brief 28 (25). Bangladesh are 105/4 after 21 overs and need another 181 from 174 balls!

The arm ball, around off, Tawhid Hridoy works it through square leg for one.

Floated, outside off, worked through mid-wicket for a run.

Fuller, outside off, driven towards long on for a single.

Outside off, punched towards short cover.

Full, around off, pushed back to the bowler.

36 runs in the last 5 overs. Bangladesh have managed to find some momentum going their way. They are 102/3 after 20 overs and at this same stage, Sri Lanka were 95/2. Dunith Wellalage is back on. 3-0-13-1 so far.

Another quick single. On middle and leg, Tawhid Hridoy works it towards square leg and crosses over. There is a direct hit at the bowler's end but Hridoy is well in. Leg bye signalled.

On a good length, outside off, nipping back in, 138 kph, MHM defends.

Good cricket by Bangladesh. On middle and off, Miraz drops it in front of mid-wicket and calls his partner through for a quick single. Short mid-wicket charges onto the ball but fumbles.

Fuller, just around off, defended solidly.

SIX! VIOLENCE! 100 UP FOR BANGLADESH! 186 more needed from 184 balls. A short ball, outside off, Mehidy picks the length in a trice and pulls it powerfully over mid-wicket. Goes all the way!

A quick short ball, Mehidy Hasan Miraz looks to cut but is beaten by pace. There is a noise heard and the bowler asks his keeper but he gets a denial in response.

Full, outside off, Miraz leans and pushes it towards long on for a single.

Slower ball, around off, kept out.

Around off, pushed back to the bowler.

Flatter, outside off, defended.

FOUR! Oh my... the wicketkeeper gets outsmarted! Game of chess going on. First, from the batter. Mehidy gets across his stumps to paddle and Hasaranga fires it on middle. Now, seeing the batter moving across, Kusal Mendis anticipates and jumps across to his left. But the ball hits the bat and goes to his right, down to the fence behind!  The stand moves to 31 (29).

The googly, outside off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz looks to drive this inside out but the ball spins in, takes the inside edge and goes towards square leg.

Around off, punched towards point.

FOUR MORE! On a length, outside off, Hridoy punches this onto the ground towards point. The ball bounces on the adjacent pitch and then goes well over a leaping Kamindu Mendis at point. Races to the fence behind. 197 more needed from 193 balls.

FOUR! Magnificent shot. It is a good short ball from Chameera, pitches and then bounces high, but Tawhid Hridoy leaps, gets on top of the bounce and plays the pull shot, into the ground. Gets it into the gap, to the right of short mid-wicket and into the fence behind.

Outside off, punched straight to point this time.

Very good work by Kamindu Mendis. On a length, outside off, Hridoy opens the face of his bat and guides the ball behind point but Kamindu throws himself to his left from point and makes a clean stop. The non striker sets off for the single but has to return. Sri Lanka were questionable on the field during the Tests but come the ODIs, they have been simply brilliant.

On a good length, outside off, Tawhid Hridoy punches it towards point.

Asalanka does not want the batters to get used to one kind of pace. Dushmantha Chameera is back on. 4-1-26-1 so far.

Tossed up, outside off, Hridoy comes forward and drives it towards long off for one.

A quicker googly, outside off, Mehidy plays it from the crease, goes back and at the last moment, opens the face of his bat to guide it towards short third for a run.

Around off, watchfully defended.

Landed outside off, the wrong 'un, Miraz defends.

FOUR! ELEGANT! Third boundary for Mehidy in the last 6 balls. Overpitched, wide outside off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz leans and drives it beautifully through the covers! 207 more needed from 202 balls.

A googly, around off, short in length, Tawhid Hridoy punches it towards long on for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. Plenty of positives for Sri Lanka but the biggest positive has been their use of the new balls. They utilized the conditions on offer to perfection and nipped out two wickets early. Could have got more but luck was on Bangladesh's side then. The good thing for the home side or the bad thing for the vsiting side was that the ball stopped swinging after 5 overs. So it was all about being a bit watchful at the start. Unfortunately for them, their batters were found wanting in challenging conditions. Now, the pitch has started to take turn, the balls have started to skid on and every now and then, the bounce is staying low. Dew is not expected to come. This could be a big trial against spin for the tourists.

Quicker one outside off, MHM looks to cut but misses.

Gets well across to sweep but misses and is hit on the pads. There is an LBW appeal but gets turned down. Impact well outside off.

FOUR MORE! A carbon copy of the second ball of this over. Just that this one was closer to the off stump. Miraz gets down again and mows the sweep over mid-wicket. A bounce and into the fence.

Full, on middle and leg, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.

FOUR! TONK! A boundary after 43 deliveries! Full, outside off, bowled slower through the air, 82 kph, Mehidy gets down, reaches out, fetches the ball and sweeps it over mid-wicket for a boundary! 216 more needed from 208 balls.

Flighted, outside off, 89 kph, Mehidy Hasan Miraz drives it towards short extra civer,

Quicker through the air, bowled straight at the stumps, Hridoy manages to block it off.

Even fuller, on middle and leg, clipped away straight to short mid-wicket.

Fuller in length, on middle, Mehidy Hasan Miraz leans on and strokes it down to long on for one more.

Fractionally short, punched away off the back foot and through covers for a single.

Gives it more air and floats it full and outside off, inviting the drive. Hridoty goes for the cover drive but it is the googly that turns in and takes the inside edge to go onto the leg side.

Flighted ball around off, gets the leg break to dip as well, Hridoy watchfully plays it into the off side.

Tossed up, full and around off, driven along the ground and to long off again, for a single.

Uppish but in the gap! Flighted up, full and on off, Mehidy leans on to drive but ends up chipping well to the right of a catching extra cover and gets it down to long off for a single.

Bowled flat and on off, Mehidy Hasan Miraz rocks back and pushes it back to the bowler.

Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz walks in next, at number 5, replacing Parvez Hossain Emon.

OUT! CAUGHT! Parvez Hossain Emon was just itching to break the shackles, but he's hold out in the deep. Dunith Wellalage gives it some flight and bowls it fairly full on off and middle. Parvez gets down on one knee and lines up the slog sweep but gets it more off the toe end of the bat. The ball gets dragged to the left of deep mid-wicket, where Nishan Madushka runs across and reverse-cups it just inside the ropes. Emon departs for a sluggish 28 off 44 balls and Bangladesh are now 62/3 in 13.3 overs.

Slightly tossed up, full and around off, blocked back to the bowler.

Bowled flat and on off, Hridoy goes deep into the crease and punches it down to long on for a single.

A more of a warmup over from Hasaranga. Not that he was bowling any looseners or anything, but he was not going full throttle, trying to just ease into his bowling runup. Very much possible that the management is just checking whether the injury is a niggle or a serious one.

Slows it up nicely, does Hasaranga and flights it up around off. Emon gets across to play down the line but is beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the pads.

Flatter delivery around middle, played off the back foot and down to long on for just another single.

Floated up, full and on off, Parvez gets inside the line and gets it in front of square leg for one more.

Tossed up on off, a leg break now that turns a touch. Hridoy rocks back and taps it across past mid-wicket for a single.

Shortish length on middle, it is the wrong'un, Hridoy plays it off the back foot and taps it to mid-wicket.

Tossed up on off, Parvez Hossain Emon gets a big stride across and sweeps it well but the ball spins in towards the deep backward square leg fielder. Only a single.

Third spinner. Here's Wanindu Hasaranga. One believes that the management will be wanting to see how he bowls, whether he is being troubled and also, finish off his quota quickly and rest in the dugout.

Fuller in length and around off, Hridoy leans on to block but gets it off the inner half of the blade.

That one nearly skid through! On a good length and on off, this one pitches and skids through quickly. Tawhid Hridoy looks to play it off the back foot but gets a late inside edge onto the back leg.

Nagging length around middle, drifting in a bit, Hridoy defends it with a straight bat.

On the shorter side again, outside off, punched away off the back foot to covers.

Shortish length on middle and angling in, Hridoy tucks it away around the corner on the leg side and picks up a couple of runs.

Starts from around the wicket and flights it up at the stumps. Tawhid Hridoy looks to drive it through covers but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Excellent over by Maheesh Theekshana. Powerplay 2 begins with a maiden. Before that last ball, Kusal Mendis was heard chirping on the stump mic, 'Big shot coming, big shot coming!' The pressure is on Bangladesh from everywhere. Here's Dunith Wellalage.

Maiden over! Fuller in length and around off, blocked off by Parvez.

Bowled flatter and close to the off stump, played back to the bowler. Five dots on the trot!

Oh, that's beaten him all ends up! Quick and full outside off, the ball pitches and slides in quickly. Parvez Hossain Emon leans across to drive but is beaten on the inside edge and the ball thuds into the keeper's pads.

Good, sharp fielding! Bowled from wider on the crease and full as well, Parvez drives it to the left of the extra cover fielder, who makes a fine diving stop.

Full and on leg, probably Theekshana saw Parvez Hossain Emon going right across the off stump. Pavez manages to get some bat on the sweep shot but hits it straight to short fine leg.

Around the wicket to the left-hander, sliding it in from outside off, Parvez leans across and plays it to mid-wicket.

55/2 plays 51/1 by Sri Lanka at the end of their Poweplay 1. Nothing much to choose. POWERPLAY 2 time. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over. Should Asalanka spread his field though?

Hard length, wide outside off, a bit slower too. This one stays low and Tawhid Hridoy plays a loose shot, slashing at the ball and gets a bottom edge that goes on the bounce to the keeper.

Slower one, fuller in length and on off, Parvez Hossain Emon leans forward and pushes it down to long on for a single.

Good length around off, hitting the deck hard, Parvez scoots to the off side to cover the line and blocks it off.

Full and around leg stump, Emon falls over again and flicks it towards short mid-wicket.

A bouncer now, around leg and middle, Parvez Hossain Emon ducks. Wide signalled for height. That was bowled at around 105 kph, so that just got stuck into the deck. Yes, an off cutter, from the replays.

Down the leg side, Tawhid Hridoy leans and flicks it towards deep square leg for a run.

Full, around off, driven towards mid off for a quick single.

A bit of a frightening news coming in. A couple of locals have passed on the message that it has started to drizzle in some areas of Kandy. There was this forecast of rain well before the match, but we are so happy that it missed its mark tonight. We hope that the game stays uninterrupted till the end. Change of ends for Asitha Fernando. 3-0-18-1 so far.

Quick and flat, on off, Hridoy punches it away into the off side.

Bowled flatter and on leg, Parvez Hossain Emon stays low and tucks it down towards long leg. Dushmantha Chameera from short fine leg, puts in a good chase and manages to keep the ball in play. The other fielder, from deep mid-wicket, covers good ground to his left to provide backup and they have managed to save a run for the side. 50 UP FOR BANGLADESH. 235 more needed from 247 balls.

Darted in again, towards middle and off, Emon watchfully defends it out.

Fired in on the leg stump, 103 kph, Parvez Hossain Emon flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

Full, around off, Tawhid Hridoy works it through mid on for a single.

Landed outside off, punched towards cover.

FOUR! Much more in control! Short of a length and well outside off, begging to be hit. Parvez Hossain Emon lays into the width and hammers it away through the cover region, albeit a bit uppishly and for a boundary. 12 from the over!

Good news for Sri Lanka. Wanindu Hasaranga is on the field and the Lankans will hope that he is able to bowl as well.

Two Wides! Sloppy! Drags the length short and spills it well down the leg side. Kusal Mendis dives to his left but fails to collect it with the left glove and it deflects behind him. They get a single as well.

Goes fuller now and keeps the length wide of the off stump, Parvez carves this one away wide of deep third but the fielder over there makes good ground to his left and quickly too. Just the single.

Moral victory for the batter. Slip disappears to mid-wicket. Dushmantha Chameera switches to around the wicket as well.

FOUR! Finally gets one away, does Parvez Hossain Emon. Short of a good length and wide outside off, Parvez reaches out and throws his hands at it, managing to slap it just over the cover region and picks up a boundary.

On a good length, around off, PHE punches it towards cover.

Around middle and off, swinging in, Parvez defends.

On a length, closer to the batter, moving away from outside off, Parvez looks to punch this on the up, over the off side but misses.

WIDE. A length ball, but directed pretty far from the batter. Parvez Hossain Emon reaches out to push but misses.

BEAUTY! Quicker through the air and on off, this is the one that curves away from the right-hander and Tawhid Hridoy doesn't pick it. Hridoy leans on to block but the ball zips past the outside edge. Good start from Theekshana, just 2 runs off it.

Nagging length around off, slightly drifts away from the right-hander. Hridoy pushes it out into the off side.

Fuller and on the pads, Parvez leans and and works it through square leg for a single.

Full and around leg stump, Parvez Hossain Emon defends it to the off side.

Around off, short in length, worked through mid on for a single.

The carrom ball first up, drifting into the right hander, Tawhid Hridoy pushes it towards point.

Spin time. Here's Maheesh Theekshana.

FOUR! Another edge and guess what? It is another boundary. No slip in place and Sri Lanka pay the price. Hard length in the channel outside off, Parvez Hossain Emon looks to drive on the up but gets a thick outside edge that flies well wide of the keeper and races away to the deep third fence.

Fuller in length and on off, darting away a touch and it stays low as well. Parvez Hossain Emon is taken aback but manages to crouch and jams it out.

Hard-length delivery, around middle and leg, no room to work with again and Parvez just blocks it back onto the deck.

On middle and leg, defended solidly.

EDGED, FOUR! Fortune is with Bangladesh at the moment. On a length, around middle and off, Parvez Hossain Emon looks to work it to the leg side but the ball swings back in, takes the inside edge and flies behind square leg to the fence! 257 more needed from 268 balls.

Full, around off, driven back to the bowler.

EDGED, LUCKY, FOUR! Dear me, how lucky was that? On a length, outside off, Tawhid Hridoy looks to drive but the ball swings away and also stays a touch low. Takes the outside edge and flies behind. The keeper, Kusal Mendis, dives to his right, goes for the catch with one glove but the ball just about escapes past, to the deep third fence!

Safe, but just, was Tawhid Hridoy. Back of a length, around middle and leg, Parvez Hossain Emon looked to work it through the leg side but missed and got a thick inside edge onto his pads. The ball dribbled behind the stumps on the leg side and Hridoy called his partner through for the single. The fielder came in and had a shy at the striker's end, hitting the stumps, and the run out appeal was referred upstairs. But the first replay showed that Hridoy had just about made it.

Direct hit! Is this number 3? Nope. Safely in.

Another dot. Finally some width outside off, but PHE misses out, cutting the ball straight to point.

Absolutely no room to work with. Sri Lanka have come out with a plan to bowl majority of the balls on the leg stump. Because of that, the batters are just not able to free their arms. Full and around leg stump, Parvez falls over again, walking forward to defend the ball.

Full and down the leg side, now this one moves the other way, towards the leg side. Emon misses his flick, falls over and is hit on the pads.

Let's go fishing. On a length, outside off, Parvez Hossain Emon pushes at it without moving his feet and the ball moves away a mile, beating the outside edge. Are we in Pallekele or Edgbaston?

Landed on a length, outside off, moving away, left alone. Technically, a WICKET MAIDEN for Chameera. His bowling figures read 2-1-6-1.

Tawhid Hridoy walks in next, at number 4, replacing Najmul Hossain Shanto.

OUT! BOWLED! Totally knocks him over! This is a peach for any batter, new or set. On a length, outside off, swinging in massively, Najmul Hossain Shanto looks to defend but the ball zooms back in to beat the bat, and hits the off stump! A 3-baller for Najmul and Bangladesh have lost two wickets in the span of 6 balls. They are 20/2 and need another 266 from 277 balls.

Lovely ball, poor shot. Short and fast outside off, Najmul Hossain Shanto pokes at it. The ball moves, but the feet don't. The ball whizzes past the outside edge.

That's the third ball in a row now. Ball beating the bat, hitting the pad and going to the leg side. No run taken.

Down the leg side, Parvez looks to flick and misses again. The ball goes off his pads to the leg side and a leg bye is taken.

Another LBW appeal, turned down again. Chameera is also getting some movement but the line is not correct. He starts around leg stump and gets the ball to nip back in, comfortably going down the leg side. Parvez Hossain Emon looked to flick but missed and was hit on the pads.

Najmul Hossain Shanto walks in next, at number 3, replacing Tanzid Hasan.

OUT! BOWLED! And Asitha wins the battle! In an action-packed 9 deliveries bowled by Asitha Fernando to Tanzid Hasan, there were plenty of moments. 3 boundaries, 2 LBW appeals and eventually, a wicket. Excellent delivery, full and swinging back in, nearly a yorker, Tanzid Hasan looks to flick but falls over in the process. Misses the ball, gets hit on the left leg and unfortunately for him, the ball ricochets onto the stumps. Asitha is pumped up as Tanzid Hasan departs for 17 (13) and Bangladesh are 19/1 after 3 overs. They need another 267 from 282 balls.

Another appeal for LBW, turned down again. And this time, the review is taken by Sri Lanka. It was very full, pitched around the leg stump, swinging down the leg side. Tanzid Hasan looked to flick but was beaten by both, pace and late swing, and got hit on the pads. Once again, just like in Asitha's first over, the debate was whether the ball pitched in line or outside leg stump. Because the length was so full, Asalanka gave in to his bowler's plead and signalled for the review. Ball Tracking shows it to be pitching outside leg. Review lost by Sri Lanka.

Misses out, does the batter. Short and wide outside off, Tanzid smashes the cut but hits it straight to Avishka Fernando, who is probably substituting for Wanindu Hasaranga.

Comes down the track this time and works it towards short mid-wicket.

Excellent riposte. Asitha bounces back with an inswinging yorker, around middle and leg, Hasan just about digs it out.

FOUR! Just over! Full, on middle, hint of inswing, Tanzid Hasan looks to swing this over mid on, but is not quite able to get underneath the ball cleanly. Gets the ball on the bottom part of the bat and the ball seems to be heading towards mid on, but the fielder flies in the air to the right, only to miss it. 267 more needed from 287 balls.

For all those wondering why is Wanindu Hasaranga sitting out, there was an incident which happened in the 50th over of the first innings. While taking a run, Hasaranga tweaked something in his leg and threw his bat down in disgust. Initially, the general feeling was that it was cramps as he continued to bat, sending the physio back, but clearly, this is more than that. Poor lad. Wherever he goes, injuries follow him like an added package.

On a length, outside off, 135 kph, Parvez Hossain Emon comes forward and punches it on the up but cannot beat cover.

A bit too straight, around leg stump, TH looks to flick but gets it off the inside edge, onto his pads, towards short fine leg. Takes the single.

This one comes in slightly, from middle stump, on a good length, Tanzid clips it through square leg and gets the second brace in this over.

Beautifully bowled. Shortish in length, outside off, angling away, Hasan pokes but misses.

A short ball, down the leg side, Tanzid Hasan tucks it behind square leg and charges back for the second.

Around off, punched towards cover for a single.

Will it be Theekshana tonight as well? Nope. Pace from the other end too. Here's Dushmantha Chameera. Meanwhile, the camera focusses on the Sri Lankan dugout and Wanindu Hasaranga can be seen sitting there. If he cannot bowl, this could be a big blow to the Lankan plans.

FOUR! Up and over! Stylish shot. Full ball, on middle and leg, Tanzid keeps his head down and flicks the ball beautifully over mid-wicket to end a 9-run opening over! 277 more needed from 294 balls.

Huge shout for LBW, not given. Never looked out really, but Asitha seems interested. Pitched outside leg stump, Hasan went back to flick but missed and was hit on the pads. Fernando was sure this was close but keeper Kusal Mendis indicated that it was pitched outside leg. The bowler was not convinced but after a long discussion was talked out of it.

FOUR! THWACK! And now, Tanzid is up and running. A length ball, outside off, Tanzid Hasan jumps down the track and slaps it over cover for a boundary to get off the mark!

More vicious movement. This ball is moving like a hoop under the lights. Pitched on a good length again, this time around leg stump, going away with the angle, Parvez looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his right leg. He is searching for the ball but his partner Tanzid calls him through for a quick single. Bangladesh are up and running.

Excellent delivery. Pitched on a good length, nipping back in sharply, Emon is caught in his crease and just about gets bat on ball, getting a thick inside edge onto his pads.

A bouncer to start proceedings. Slow in pace. Parvez Hossain Emon ducks but pretty late. He was not expecting that and Asitha gives him a big smile.

Just a single on the final ball. Comes down the track, does Chameera, but is not to the pitch of the ball. Mistimes his shot towards mid off. SRI LANKA FINISH ON 285/7!

Well, he runs this time! That hamstring has to be really bad. Gets across his stumps, has a full toss dished, but he misses his paddle. The ball goes off his pads to short fine leg and a leg bye is taken.

A full ball, around off, Wanindu hits it towards long off, but does not run.

Excellent inswinger, flicked towards short fine leg. Hasaranga hobbles across for the run.

Oh dear. Wanindu Hasaranga does not look happy at all. He has straightaway called for the physio and the helmet has come off. Bizarre. As soon as the physio arrives, Hasaranga feels much better, puts his helmet backs on and sends the physio back! But he does not look that comfortable, to be honest.

What happened there? Full, on middle, Hasaranga flicks it through mid-wicket and calls for two. But the moment he reaches the other end, he starts to pull up. Throws his bat down in disgust and frustration as the batters are forced to settle for the single.

A full toss, wide outside off, slanting away, Wanindu Hasaranga looks to slash hard but misses.

On time? The clock has ticked past 6.18 pm local time. Will Bangladesh be penalized? Nope.

Gets the yorker right this time. Full and straight, pitching around the base of leg stump and tails in a bit. Chameera looks to dig it out but is well beaten.

FOUR! Whacked away! Taskin looks to go full and straight but ends up serving a full toss, Dushmantha Chameera takes the front leg out and whips it away over mid-wicket for a boundary. Poor bowling, considering the deep mid-wicket fielder was brought inside the circle before the ball.

Dug in short and outside off, slower too, Wanindu Hasaranga fetches the ball and swats it down to long on for a single.

Slower delivery, fuller in length, around off, Dushmantha Chameera looks to swing but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. The ball drops down beside him, to his right and his partner calls him through for a quick single. Taskin competes with Hasaranga in the running race towards the striker's end, gets to the ball and tries to kick it onto the stumps, but misses the goal by a fair margin, nearly kicking it too wide of Jaker Ali, who has to rush across to his right to try and prevent overthrows.

Short again, outside off, Hasaranga backs away and looks to slap it away but gets it off the toe end of the bat through mid off. The fielder gets across to his right and makes a good save.

FOUR! THUNDEROUS! A short ball, outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga gets on top of the bounce, backs away slightly to the leg side and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary!

Keeps the length relatively full and bowls it around off, this is driven towards extra cover for a single. There is a slight fumble from the fielder but Wanindu is happy with just one run. 11 runs off the over.

FOUR! CRUNCHED! Full and wide outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga crouches a bit and laces the drive in front of point for a boundary.

Was that a dropped chance? Or was it just short? Mustafizur Rahman doesn't seem happy with the effort but the replays show that the ball fell well short. Slower one, on the fuller side and around off, Dushmantha Chameera looks to drive but ends up chipping it in front of covers. Mehidy Hasan Miraz dives but the ball bounces and deflects behind him as the batters pick up a single.

A length ball, outside off, Dushmantha Chameera chips it over mid off. Najmul Hossain Shanto does well to track it down and gets to the ball with a slide before the ropes. Two runs taken.

Outside off, played behind point for a single.

Oh dear... Mustafizur Rahman is just refusing to get up. Finally, the physio comes and he gets up now.

Great running. On middle, Wanindu Hasaranga flicks it through mid-wicket. He takes the first run quickly and turns blind for the second, but Chameera is not sure. However, he trusts his partner and after a stutter, goes through for the second. There is a chance of a run out at the bowler's end but the throw is wide. Mustafizur collects and then turns around to his right, trying to hit the stumps, which he does, but that whirlwind spin takes the wind out of him. He is down on the ground, stretching his feet while the hit has no effect, with Chameera comfortably in.

Russel Arnold on air informs us that Bangladesh need to start the 50th over by 6.18 pm local time. That means, 1248 GMT. Roughly 10 minutes for 2 overs. Seem to be on track. Mustafizur Rahman is back on. 8-0-38-0 so far.

Back of a length and around off, Dushmantha Chameera hits it away to backward point.

Dushmantha Chameera walks in next, at number 9, replacing Dunith Wellalage.

OUT! CAUGHT! Another excellent catch from Shamim Hossain and Bangladesh are roaring back into the game. Taskin Ahmed bangs it in on a hard length and bowls it outside off. Dunith Wellalage charges down the track and looks to take on the lofted shot. Wellalage is hurried for pace and bounce and ends up slicing it high and in front of cover. Shamim at covers, runs back and keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a fine catch over his left shoulder. The fielder from mid off was also converging but Shamim had his eyes fixed on the ball. Sri Lanka are now 259/7!

Good bowling! Bowls a heavy ball, banging it halfway into the deck and over middle and leg. This one flies around head height and Wellalage does well to sway his head away from the line of the ball.

A full toss, on middle, Wanindu Hasaranga pushes it through mid on for one.

Fullish, outside off, driven through the covers for a run.

A short ball, outside off, pushed through point for a single.

Taskin Ahmed returns. 8-0-37-1 so far.

A tad short and wide, cut away hard but straight to backward point.

Fuller in length and on middle, punched down to long on for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga walks in next, at number 8, replacing Kusal Mendis.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Shamim Hossain delivers a crucial blow to Sri Lanka and this wicket might be the deciding factor between a score of around 280 and one closer to 300. Shamim bowls this one quicker and into the pitch around middle. Kusal Mendis hops onto the back foot and looks to pull but the ball skids through the deck. Mendis goes through with the shot and ends up scooping it back over the bowler's head. Shamim turns back and runs after it, before getting under the swirling ball and hangs onto a fine catch. That one was flicked from the front of the hand and Mendis departs for 124 (114) and gets a deserved standing ovation from the crowd and the dressing room.

Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.

UPPISH, FOUR! Fractionally short, outside off, Dunith Wellalage goes to cut but the ball takes the outside edge. However, luckily for him, it goes in the gap between short third and backward point!

Down the leg side, clipped to short mid-wicket for a single. 250 UP FOR SRI LANKA. How many more can they get in the remaining 29 balls?

Dunith Wellalage walks in next, at number 7, replacing Janith Liyanage. Surprised to see him come ahead of Wanindu Hasaranga given that there are only 5 overs left.

OUT! HIT WICKET! Oh dear, that has come out of nowhere. A harmless delivery, fractionally short in length, Janith Liyanage goes back to try and work it to the leg side. He connects with the ball but at the same time, his left leg goes back and makes contact with the stumps! Neither the keeper, nor the bowler, is aware of what has happened, as the keeper is looking at the ball while the bowler is haring to collect the ball. But Liyanage knows and starts to walk off. A quick exit for the in-form player as Liyanage departs for 12 (17) as he becomes the 8th Sri Lankan to be out hit wicket in ODIs. From 224/3, Sri Lanka are now 249/5. 5 overs left. Mehidy Hasan Miraz finishes with bowling figures of 10-0-48-2.

Around off, swept through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! THUMP! A welcome boundary for Sri Lanka. Quicker ball, outside off, Kusal Mendis gets down on a knee and slogs it over mid-wicket, splitting deep mid-wicket and wide long on, for a boundary. His 18th in this innings, moving to 122 (111).

Similar ball, Liyanage works it through mid-wicket for one.

Short, around off, stays low, Kusal Mendis rocks back to pull but the ball stays low. However, he manages to hit it through mid-wicket for a run.

Short, outside off, Janith Liyanage rocks back and cuts it through cover for a single.

Excellent running. On middle, Kusal Mendis works it through mid on and his partner hares back for the second.

On middle and off, Liyanage works it through mid-wicket for a single.

That's timed ever so well. Short, outside off, Janith Liyanage goes back and cuts it behind point. Sweeper does well to hare to his left and get to the ball. Keeps the batters to a couple.

Down the leg side, clipped towards square leg for one.

On off, punched down to long off for a run.

A fumble to begin the new spell. Full, on middle, Kusal Mendis looks to flick but gets a leading edge down the ground. Shamim dives to his right but cannot stop it. The ball goes behind and the batters take a quick single. Shamim hurries back and tries to pick up the ball and throw but slips.

Huh? Big gamble by Mehidy. Has called back Shamim Hossain! 2-0-15-0 so far.

Outside off, punched straight to short extra cover.

Full, around off, Kusal Mendis works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Full, around off, Janith Liyanage leans and drives it towards long on for a single.

Quicker ball, around off, nearly skids through. Liyanage picks it from the off stump and punches it towards cover.

Pushed back to the bowler who stops it with his right boot.

Around off, pushed back to the bowler.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, things have changed pretty fast. From 153/3, Zimbabwe have slipped down to 184/9 on Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa. Corbin Bosch has continued his good form and picked up a 4-wicket haul now, in line for another fifer. It does seem like two good days of rest coming up for the players.

Down the leg side, worked through square leg for a run.

Looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.

Gosh, that's a grubber. Full and wide outside off, Liyanage looks to punch it through the off ide but the ball pitches and literally goes parallel to the ground, past the bat and just about going past the wide guideline. No wide signalled though.

On a length, outside off, 132 kph. coming in, Janith Liyanage stays back and works it through mid-wicket for a couple.

A slower ball now, outside off, Mendis is early into his shot and gets a leading edge wide of the bowler through mid off. Takes the single.

A touch short, outside off, Liyanage steers this towards deep third for a single.

After that wide, Mustafizur Rahman switches back to around the wicket for the right hander.

WIDE. Down the leg side, Janith Liyanage misses his flick.

A short ball, punched back to the bowler. 3 runs and a wicket from the over, Taskin Ahmed's bowling figures read 8-0-37-1.

Another full toss, hit straight to short mid-wicket.

A yorker, on middle and off, tailing in, Janith Liyanage manages to dig it past the bowler for a single to get off the mark.

Janith Liyanage walks in next, at number 6, replacing his skipper, Charith Asalanka.

OUT! CAUGHT! That seemed to be a tired shot. Asalanka played just 68 balls but even that seems a lot on this hot and humid day. A full toss, around middle and leg, Charith Asalanka looks to swing it towards the leg side but there seemed to be a lack of power in the elevation itself. The ball hits the splice of the bat and goes high up in the air, towards the area between long on and mid-wicket. Opposite number Mehidy Hasan Miraz comes running in from long on and takes the catch calmly. The 124-run stand has been broken and Asalanka departs for 58 (68). Sri Lanka are 224/4 after 40.3 overs!

Full toss, tailing in, pushed through mid on for a run.

Excellent bowling by Taskin Ahmed. A yorker length, around middle and leg, Charith Asalanka looked to dig it out but missed and was hit on the pads. Taskin appealed but the umpire did not give it out. Taskin had a chat with his skipper and was confident that this was gone, purely because of the length. Mehidy took it upstairs and the line seemed to be around middle and leg. But, was there wood involved? Because the first replay indicated so. Sure enough. UltraEdge confirms. Review lost for Bangladesh. Meanwhile, a single taken.

DRS time! Taskin Ahmed has bowled a terrific yorker and he reckons that he has trapped Asalanka LBW. Mehidy takes the review but the replay detects an inside edge.

So that's 171/2 in 30 overs of the middle stage. 75 runs in the last 10 overs alone. Sri Lanka are ticking along nicely. Powerplay 3 time. 5 fielders allowed outside the circle till the end.

Short, outside off, slapped through point for a single.

FOUR! Superbly played. He is surveying the field like a hawk. Knows that third and point are inside the circle, so he stays back, waits for the slower ball to land on a length and come in with the angle, opens the face of his bat and guides it efficiently between short third and backward point for a boundary. The stand moves to 121 (113).

Switches to around the wicket to the right hander, bowls it short outside off, this one skids through and carmps Mendis for room as he shapes to pull. Goes off the bottom part of the bat through square leg. The batters take a run. Mendis moves to 110 (101).

A full toss, on middle, Asalanka misses out again, flicking it towards deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Slower ball, into the pitch, outside off, Charith Asalanka swings widly but misses. Also, the ball dies down, going beneath the bat.

Change of angle for the left hander. Switches to over the wicket.

A length ball, down the leg side, Kusal Mendis misses out, tucking it straight to short fine leg.

Mustafizur Rahman is back on. 6-0-24-0 so far.

On a length, outside off, KM eases it through the covers for a single.

A full toss now, around middle, Mendis drives it straight down the ground and by the time long on can get across to his left, two runs are taken.

FOUR! Nicely done! A touch short, around off, Kusal swivels and turns it behind square leg. The ball races towards the ropes! The stand moves to 111 (106)!

On a good length, outside off, punched through the covers for a run.

Yorker length, outside off, Charith Asalanka cannot squeeze it out.

Full, outside off, pushed to the left of mid off for a quick single.

Taskin Ahmed returns. 6-0-25-0 so far.

HUNDRED FOR KUSAL MENDIS! Number 6 in ODIs and 5th at home! More importantly, as per Farveez Maharoof on air, Sri Lanka have never lost an ODI whenever Kusal Mendis has scored a hundred at home. On a length, around middle, Kusal pushes it towards long on and raises his hands aloft, in joy. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya is all smiles in the Lankan dugout and so is the crowd. Right. Perfect time then. Milestone achieved, time for a shift in gear.

FOUR! Moves to 99! Full, around off, Kusal Mendis gets down and sweeps it powerfully through square leg!

50 FOR CHARITH ASALANKA! Made a century in the first game and has got a half century here. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya applauds from the Lankan dugout and Asalanka is quickly becoming a reliable player for the Lankans, especially after becoming the captain. Around off, Charith pushes it through mid off and gets the single, raising the bat towards the crowd and the Lankan dugout, acknowledging the applause. 200 IS UP FOR SRI LANKA as well. 74 balls left. Is 300 on?

Floated outside off, driven towards cover.

More turn now. Outside off, Charith Asalanka stays back to push but gets a thick outside edge towards short third.

Landed around off, pushed towards point.

STUMPING CHANCE MISSED? Flighted, outside off, Kusal Mendis lunges to defend but the ball drifts in, pitches and turns away past the outside edge. The keeper, Jaker Ali, tries to collect the ball and whip the bails off but fumbles and cannot cling onto the ball. Was Mendis outside his crease on the lunge? 10-0-61-1 for Tanvir Islam.

Outside off, pushed towards cover.

This time, Charith connects with his flick and gets a single to move to 49.

Down the leg side, Asalanka looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Barely any appeal for LBW, clearly going over the top.

On middle, a touch short again, this time Mendis goes back and works it through square leg for a single.

FOUR! Another boundary. Short, outside off, Kusal Mendis rocks back and punches it behind point for a boundary!

Short and outside off, cut straight to point.

Down the leg side, hint of turn, nudged through mid-wicket for another single.

Short and outside off, Asalanka rocks back and slaps it towards deep point for one.

On middle, knocked down to long on for a run.

On middle and off, hint of turn, Asalanka pushes it towards cover and takes the single this time. The stand moves to 90 (86).

Mehidy Hasan Miraz is back on. Wonder why did Tanzim bowl that one over in between. Full, around off, Charith Asalanka looks to tap and run in front of cover but is sent back.

Slows it up, bowling it short and outside off, Mendis makes room and slaps it away in front of sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

Short and on leg, nudged away from the crease and past square leg for a run.

A tad short and around off, Asalanka hops onto the bck foot and pushes it away in front of point and picks up a couple of runs more.

Flighted ball, full and outside off, Mendis lunges and pushes it down to long off for one.

Floated up, full and on leg, Menids gets inside the line and sweeps it straight to short fine leg.

Slow and a bit short, pitching outside leg, Asalanka pushes it across to mid-wicket for one.

Well, we were shouting aloud for Mehidy to bring on Shamim but he has been a different bowler today, almost kind of reminding us that he is indeed, a part timer. Has been taken off now, and Tanvir Islam has been brought back on. 8-0-48-1 so far. Also, there needs to be a ball selection made from the two used from the start and Bangladesh have made their choice.

FOUR! This time in front of that fielder in the deep! Short of a length and over middle, Mendis waits well and smacks the pull along the turf and just in front of square leg as the ball races away into the fence. The boundaries just don't seem to be stopping here for Sri Lanka.

FOUR! What a shot! Back of a length and over middle and leg, Kusal Mendis hangs back, stays low and just swivels to angle the pull behind deep square leg. The ball goes flat and keeps angling away to the right of deep square leg and goes into the fence.

Short of a length and around leg, tucked away in front of mid-wicket for an easy single.

BEATEN! Fuller in length and in the channel around off, this one goes on with the angle. Charith Asalanka leans on to drive but is beaten past the outside edge. A rare sight.

Another slower one on a good length and over middle and leg, nudged away 'round the corner on the leg side for a single.

Slower delivery, fuller and outside off, Mendis drives on the up but the fielder at point puts in a dive to his right and makes a sharp stop.

Change of pace. Back to pace. Tanzim Hasan Sakib is back on. 5-0-31-1 so far.

Darted in towards middle, not all that full and Asalanka just tucks it away to mid on.

Pushed through flatter and around off, nudged away with soft hands to backward point.

Floated up on middle, pushed down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Sri Lanka are firmly on the charge now! Another full ball down the leg side, Kusal Mendis sits down and hammers the sweep shot well behind square leg and the ball races away to the fence.

Fuller and on middle, angling in, swept away hard and along the turf but straight to deep backward square leg for a single.

A round-arm delivery, bowled from wider on the crease and angled into middle. Asalanka blocks it down the line.

Gives it a bit more air and flights it around off, Mendis leans on and blocks it off. 10 off the over, 19 in the last 2.

FOUR! That's easy pickings for Kusal Mendis and he's now moved into the 70s. Back to around the wicket to the right-hander, bowling it full and down leg. Mendis just gets inside the line and sweeps it well fine of long leg for another boundary. That's now four boundaries in the last 2 overs for Sri Lanka.

Flighted ball, full and on leg, pushed down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Excellent use of the feet and that went as straight as an arrow. Flighted ball on middle, Charith Asalanka dances down the track and smacks it over the bowler's head and right in between long off and long on for a boundary.

Flighted ball, from over the wicket and bowled around middle and leg, Asalanka blocks it off.

Floated up on off, Mendis lunges and shows the full face of the bat, pushing it down to long off for a single.

Full and pretty straight, Asalanka eases it towards mid on. 9 off the over.

Flatter delivery outside off, dabbed down towards short third.

FOUR! Quicker one around leg, Asalanka tickles it down to fine leg and gets it pretty fine as well and for another boundary.

FOUR! An agricultural heave but it does bring a boundary and the 50-run stand is also up between these two. Fired in towards middle and leg, Charith Asalanka steps out and looks to heave over mid-wicket but ends up dragging it in front of mid-wicket for a boundary. The 150 comes up for Sri Lanka too.

Around the wicket to the left-hander, a round arm delivery, darted into the batter. Asalanka keeps out it.

A bit of a long hop to begin with, but it will only be a single. Short and wide outside off, Kusal Mendis backs away and slaps it in front of deep point for a run.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe have managed to reach 174/5 in the second session of Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa. This Test is in the news primarily because of Wiaan Mulder's unbeaten 367 but even more so because he refused to try and go past the great Brian Lara's unbeaten 400. The Proteas declared at 626/5 and on Day 2 itself, the hosts were bundled out for 170 and enforced the followon, wherein, they lost the opening wicket as well. However, this morning, they have fought hard, with Nick Welch managing to get past the half century mark. They still trail by a mammoth 280 runs, but at least, they are showing some kind of a fight. Would be interesting to see if they manage to take this into the fourth day. Finally, here comes Shamim Hossain.

Tossed up, full and around off, Asalanka lunges to defend.

FOUR! Oh, that should have been stopped! Flighted ball, around off, Charith Asalanka leans on to block but gets an outside edge that runs to the right of short third. Taskin Ahmed puts in a lazy dive and an early one too as the ball skips through and rolls away to the deep third fence.

A bit quicker and on a length around off, Asalanka camps on the back foot and guides it straight to short third.

Slower through the air, 86 kph, around off, Asalanka stays back and works it towards short mid-wicket.

A touch quicker and shorter, Charith Asalanka defends.

Short, outside off, Kusal Mendis punches it through the covers for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. Sri Lanka have pressed on the accelerator nicely. The last 9 overs have yielded 47/1 and the boundaries are coming a bit more frequently. Kusal Mendis though, is playing a quizzical type of innings. He started off like a train on fire, but post Powerplay 1, seems to have gone into a shell. Mind you, his strike rate is still decent, at 88 but for a player who started so quickly, you might have expected that to rise to 120. However, he is trying to bat deep. Skipper Asalanka has maintained his good run and is looking good already. Going by the Bumble formula, that is, the opinion of the great David Lloyd, former English commentator, if you have wickets in hand at the end of the 30th over, you can double your score by the 50th. So it does seem like 280-290 is on the cards. Bangladesh are not quite able to put any sustained pressure on the Lankans, as opposed to the second ODI. They are not conceding boundaries or runs like a river but at the same time, are not able to tie down one end consistently. Just the 5 bowlers used so far and with the 35th over approaching, they might be hoping that the selected ball favours them at the death. Tanvir Islam returns. 6-0-33-1 so far.

A fourth straight dot ball to end the over and Mehidy has pulled things back nicely in the over. Slightly flighted, on middle and off, Asalanka blocks it off.

Keeps the length fairly full and bowls it on middle, Asalanka lunges and defends down the line. Three dots after the boundary.

Fuller and quicker, angled into middle and leg, Asalanka plays it out towards cover.

Outside off, punched towards cover point.

FOUR! THRASH! This is ominous for Bangladesh with Asalanka finding his touch. Full, outside off, Asalanka gets down, reaches out, fetches the ball from there and sweeps it powerfully through mid-wicket for a boundary! The stand moves to 42 (44).

Quicker ball, outside off, Charith Asalanka looks to steer it towards deep third but misses.

Well, after his heroics in the second ODI, where is Shamim Hossain? With the pitch staying slow, balls gripping a bit, indifferent bounce, Shamim would be more than a handful on this deck.

Fuller in length and around off, Mendis looks to get inside the line and drives it towards mid on.

Back of a length and around off, Mendis goes onto the back foot and punches it to short cover.

Another cutter, short of a good length and around off, Asalanka looks to play away from the body but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls past the cut strip on the off side and the batters pick up a quick single.

On a length, outside off, pushed towards cover.

FOUR! Very clever. Mustafizur Rahman comes from over the wicket and bowls it on a length, from wide of the crease and gets the ball to slant into the left hander. But Charith Asalanka just gets across a touch, uses the angle to his advantage and tucks it to the fine leg fence! There is a deep backward square leg but he cannot get to his left to stop the ball.

Full and just around off, solidly defended.

Another halt in play. It was what - just 3 overs back that Kusal Mendis changed his gloves. He has called for the 12th and 13th players again, this time not for gloves, but for towels, to wipe off the sweat flowing through his arms. Must be really humid.

Flatter delivery at the stumps, played from the crease by Mendis and to the right of the bowler.

Into the pitch and outside off, staying low, Mendis backs away to cut but hits it straight to the cover fielder.

Drops it short on middle, angling it in, Asalanka hops back and pushes it through covers for a single.

FOUR! Excellent batting. Full, around middle and leg, Asalanka gets down and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary!

Huge shout for LBW, turned down. Mehidy and keeper Jaker have a chat and eventually decide against the review. Landed around middle and leg, Asalanka looked to work it to the leg side but missed and got hit on the thigh pads. Bounce seems to be in question. Yes, Ball Tracking projects it to be going over leg stump.

Landed around off, from around the wicket, Charith Asalanka reaches out and defends.

FOUR! Spoils the over completely for Bangladesh, does Kusal Mendis. Full and outside off, slower too but Mustafizur errs on length by being too full and Kusal Mendis hammers the drive between covers and mid off for another boundary.

FOUR! Down the wrong line and easily done by Kusal! Attempted slower one at 114 kph, on a length and down the leg side. Mendis stays back and helps it 'round the corner, wide of fine leg and picks up a boundary.

Fuller in length and around off, Kusal gets forward and punches it back into the deck as the ball bounces over the bowler and goes to mid off.

Around off, pushed towards cover.

Landed outside off, well blocked out.

Full, around off, the cutter, Kusal Mendis pushes it towards cover.

25/1 in the last 5 overs. Mehidy wants some control back. Mustafizur Rahman is back on. 4-0-11-0 so far.

A touch short, punched towards long on for a run.

Landed around off, pushed back to the bowler.

Appeal for LBW, turned down. Appeal for a run out, turned down too! Full, around off, Charith Asalanka gets down to sweep but misses and is hit on the body. The ball deflects off the body towards short third and the batters go for the single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end and hits the stumps. Jaker Ali appeals for the run out but the umpire does not take it upstairs. Replays show that Asalanka was well in. But for a second, it seemed like the skipper was taking it easy, probably because he was not expecting the throw to come at his end. On the LBW appeal, the impact looked to be well outside off.

Full, outside off, Charith Asalanka looks to push and run to the off side but is sent back.

Around off, Kusal Mendis punches it through the covers for a run. Seems like the ball gripped on the surface there.

Full, around off, driven through mid off for a single.

Another holdup in play. Kusal Mendis changes his gloves for the second time in the day. Might be very humid out there.

Around off, solidly defended.

FOUR! Short, around middle, Kusal Mendis goes back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Landed outside off, Charith looks to push it towards deep third but gets a thick outside edge towards deep third. Takes the single.

On a length, outside off, moving away with the angle, Asalanka plays inside the line and misses.

Unlucky for Bangladesh. The great Kapil Dev had voiced his thoughts in 2008, where he believed that no overthrows should be given if the ball is deflecting off the stumps. Hitting the stumps means it is a great fielding effort so in a way, you are punishing a fielder for hitting the target. And besides, how is the backup supposed to cover up for a deflection? Full, on middle, Charith Asalanka pushes it towards square leg and takes the single. The fielder comes charging in, Najmul Hossain Shanto, I think and fires a direct hit at the striker's end. The ball hits the stumps and deflects towards deep third and the batters take the second on the overthrow. Shanto appeals for the run out and the umpire refers it upstairs but the first replay confirms that the bat was in well before the ball could even hit the stumps.

50 FOR KUSAL MENDIS! His 35th in ODIs, taking a good 58 balls, after getting off to a flier. He seems determined today, to not throw it away and bat deep. Full, outside off, Kusal Mendis lunges, opens the face of the bat and steers it towards deep third for a single.

Tossed up outside off, Asalanka lunges to defend.

A concussion test for Charith Asalanka. Did not seem too serious but the protocols need to be followed and the umpires don't take any chances. Seems okay now, though he never looked flustered in the first place.

Slightly short of full, Asalanka looks to sweep but misses and is hit on the arm. The ball goes on to hit the throat and then on to the vizor. There is an LBW appeal made but the impact was too high.

On middle and off, watchfully defended.

FOUR! Playing the field. There is only one fielder in the deep on the leg side, and that is square leg. So Charith Asalanka gets down on a knee, gets across and sweeps it behind square leg for a boundary.

Fuller, around off, pushed into the off side.

Short, outside off, cut through point for a single.

On middle, worked through square leg.

Full and just around off, Charith Asalanka defends.

Clumsiness all around and Sri Lanka benefit in the end. Around off, Kusal Mendis works it towards mid on and charges across for the single. For some reason, Asalanka is not so sure and Kusal has to go back, but after coming down a long way. There is a possible chance for a run out but the fielder throws it wide of the stumps at the striker's end and Kusal gets back. But that's not the end. The keeper, Jaker Ali, gets across to collect but is unable to collect the throw on the bounce and it goes towards deep third. The fielder from deep backward point mops it up. So in the end, Kusal wanted the single and gets the single, but via an overthrow.

Down the leg side, tucked through square leg for a run to get off the mark.

Worked through square leg for a single.

A short ball, around off, punched towards the bowler.

Skipper Charith Asalanka walks in next, at number 5, replacing Kamindu Mendis. Tanzim Hasan Sakib returns. 3-0-20-1 so far.

OUT! LBW! Problems for Bangladesh. No, you read that right. This is a problem for Bangladesh. A short ball, outside off, comes in with the arm, Kamindu Mendis goes back to pull but the ball stays low and goes beneath his bat. Also, this was much quicker and Kamindu is beaten by pace. The ball thuds his pads before the bat can even come down and Mehidy starts to celebrate and appeal at the same time. The umpire raises his finger and that seemed so plumb that the batters don't even contemplate about the review. This is just the 21st over and the ball has already stayed down multiple times. Does not bode well for the side batting second. The indifferent form of Kamindu continues as he departs for 16 (20) and the 31-run stand is broken. Sri Lanka are 100/3 after 21 overs!

Down the leg side, tucked towards short mid-wicket.

Full, outside off, pushed towards cover-point.

Pushed towards mid on.

FOUR! 100 UP FOR SRI LANKA! In the 21st over. Short, outside off, Kamindu Mendis goes back and cuts it behind point for a boundary! The stand moves to 31 (35).

A short ball, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.

44/0 in the last 10 overs. That looks decent but don't know why, it just seems as if we are watching a Test match. The score is actually looking good and it will be interesting to see when do Sri Lanka think about putting their feet on the gas.

Around off, defended solidly.

Full, on middle, driven towards mid on.

A short ball, outside off, Kusal pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Landed around off, worked towards short mid-wicket.

FOUR! ELEGANT! Finally a boundary for Kusal Mendis! His first since the 9th over. Post Powerplay 1, he has been struggling, not just to find the boundaries, but to rotate the strike as well. This will make him feel a lot better. Full and just outside off, Kusal drives it straight back. Taskin tries to stick his right leg to stop the ball but it scoots through, racing to the fence behind.

Overpitched, outside off, Kusal Mendis leans and drives it to the left of mid off.

Worked through square leg for one.

WIDE. Full and down the leg side, Kusal looks to flick but misses. Jaker Ali, who is the keeper again for this game, struggles to collect the ball and it deflects off his pads towards square leg but the batters don't run. Jaker donned the gloves in the second ODI in place of Litton Das and it was very clear from the beginning that Jaker is not comfortable while keeping.

Full and straight, 91 kph, Kamindu pushes it towards long on for a run.

The arm ball, 92 kph, from around the wicket, around off, Kamindu Mendis bunts it towards cover.

Down the leg side, milked through mid-wicket for a single.

Good change of pace, slowing the ball down, pushed towards the off side.

A loosener to start off. A short ball, around middle and leg, Kusal Mendis rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket. It seems to be in the gap but Shamim Hossain charges onto the ball to his right from deep mid-wicket and keeps the batters to two.

4.87. That is the economy of Taskin Ahmed in ODIs, since 2023! And he is on top of such bowlers who have played a minimum of 150 overs in this period. Greats like Josh Hazlewood and Matt Henry are in that list. Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz to bowl now.

Full and straight, watchfully defended.

FOUR! Wasn't in control but it does not matter for Sri Lanka. Just short of a length, around leg stump, Kamindu looks to pull it away but seems to play a touch early. He is aiming square leg but the ball goes off the inside part of the bat, behind square leg. Reaches the ropes in a flash.

Full and straight, Kamindu drives it towards mid off.

On a length, around middle and off, Kamindu Mendis defends.

Outside off, on a length, punched towards deep point for a single.

Terrific stop. Fractionally short, outside off, Kusal Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket but short mid-wicket makes a sharp stop to his left, with a dive.

Landed around off, from around the wicket, Kusal presses and dabs it towards long off for a run.

Quicker, around middle, Kamindu works it towards mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! CRISP! Overpitched, outside off, Kamindu Mendis comes down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it through the covers!

Tossed up, outside off, Kusal Mendis reaches out and drives it towards long off for a run.

Short again, this time the punch goes past short mid-wicket, for a single towards long on.

A touch short, outside off, Kamindu Mendis punches it down the ground but Mehidy Hasan Miraz dives to his right from short mid-wicket and stops the run.

DRINKS BREAK. Could be just the game but it seems as if nothing is happening in the match. Sri Lanka lost one wicket early and then there was a decent partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. However despite that partnership, cannot say that the Lankan batters are batting comfortably. The one good thing they have done so far is not thrown it away, prepared to bat it out. If dew does not come in the second innings, looking at the way this pitch is playing, 220 could end up being defended tonight. Bangladesh have done really well, not letting things slip away. They were slightly erratic with the new balls in terms of lines but post Powerplay 1, they have been very frugal and the hosts are being made to work hard.

Looks to push it through the off side but the ball comes back in, takes the inside edge and goes past the stumps towards fine leg! A single taken.

The streak of dots is broken. Kusal Mendis works this towards deep square leg for a single.

Make that four in a row. Full, outside off, Mendis comes forward and drives it towards mid off.

Hattrick of dots. Outside off, driven straight to point.

This one jags back in, from outside off, Kusal pushes inside the line but gets beaten.

Taskin Ahmed is back on. Full, outside off, Kusal Mendis comes forward and drives it straight to mid off.

Excellent fielding! Tossed up, outside off, Kamindu Mendis comes down the pitch and drives it firmly to the left of extra cover. The fielder makes a fine stop by diving to his left and the ball gets deflected towards mid off. The batters think about the single but decide against it.

A huge appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down. Seemed to be hitting outside the line of off stump and the review is not taken. Flighted ball from over the wicket and on a nagging length around off. Kamindu Mendis leans across to drive but the ball turns in past the inside edge and hits him on the pads.

Kamindu Mendis walks in next, at number 4, replacing Pathum Nissanka.

OUT! CAUGHT! Pathum Nissanka was looking to put some pressure back onto the bowlers but he has to perish here. Nicely bowled by Tanvir Islam, floating it up on off but the length isn't quite full. Nissanka sits down and looks to fetch and play the hard sweep and ends up getting it off the top edge. The ball sails down to deep square leg where Parvez Hossain Emon comes in and takes a simple catch. Nissanka will feel he has wasted good start as he departs for 35 (47) and Sri Lanka are now 69/2!

Fired in, fuller and outside off, Pathum Nissanka waits back and just angles the bat face to guide it fine of short third for a couple of handy runs.

Drifted in towards middle and leg, Nissanka gets a big stride in front of leg stump and defends it out.

Floated up around leg stump, Mendis nudges it across and in front of square leg for a run.

Working while holidaying? Maheesh Theekshana's wife is seated in the players' relatives area but she seems to working on a laptop. The pair got recently married. Seeing her, reminds me of one of our scorers, Milindu, who always complains that he is forced to take his laptop even when his business unit takes his team out for an outing! That's commitment, brother. And... work is work. Job is job.

Another dot to end the over and this is turning out to be a highly economical spell from the Fizz as he's gone for just 11 runs in his first 4 overs. Slower one, on a length and around off, dabbed away to backward point again by PN.

Good length in the channel, cutting back in, Nisanka hangs back and cuts it down to backward point.

Another pace-off delivery, darted in at off and middle stump, Nissanka blocks it back to the bowler.

Slower one, a bit fuller and around off, Mendis defends it off the outer half of the blade towards backward point and scampers through for a quick single.

Fuller in length and on off, Mendis gets a good stride forward and punches it sweetly but straight to mid off.

Hard-length delivery, attacking the top of off stump, Mendis plays it from the crease and taps it way to cover-point.

Seems like a mini drinks break. Or, perhaps, one of the batters wanted something, like a change of gloves and water came as complimentary. One of the few places in Sri Lanka where drinking water is not charged.

Flighted ball, around middle, defended down the line by Pathum.

FOUR! Nicely waited by Pathum Nissanka and up comes the 50-run stand between these two. Not all that short but a tad wide, Nissanka rocks back, opens the face of the blade late and cuts it well behind deep point for a boundary.

Oh, that one nearly went through! Pushed through flatter and on off, Kusal Mendis looks to block down the line but the ball angles in with the arm and catches the inside edge before going behind square leg. They pick up a single.

Pulls the length back and bowls it around the pads, worked away off the back foot into the vacant space at mid-wicket for an easy single.

Loops the ball up, very full and on middle, Nissanka drives it to the left of the bowler. Tanvir Islam dives to his left, but cannot quite stop it cleanly. The ball goes back but cover quickly gets across to prevent the single.

Floated up on middle and leg, Mendis lunges and strokes it through the mid on region for a run.

Drags the length back and bowls it around middle, Kusal Mendis presses back and eases it down to long on for one more.

Good length again, on middle and leg, flicked away off the pads and through square leg for another single.

Good length and outside off, cut away to deep point for a single.

In the air but will land safely! Pathum Nissanka looks to advance down the pitch but Mustafizur Rahman cleverly takes pace off the ball and angles it in. PN is undone by the lack of pace but goes through with the heave and mistimes it high and in front of square leg. The fielder from deep backward square leg, Tanzim Hasan Sakib comes in and runs to his left but can't reach it. The batters get a single.

A bit fuller and on middle, angles in whilst staying low again, Nissanka does well to jam the bat down in time.

On a hard length, attacking off stump and stays a tad low. Nissanka hangs on the back foot and dabs it down to backward point.

Tossed up on middle, Nissanka comes down the pitch and punches it to the left of the bowler. Tanvir Islam scampers across and dives but the ball gets deflected off his body down to long off for another single.

Flighted around middle, Mendis lunges but stays leg side of the ball and pushes it past the diving bowler, to his left and picks up a single.

Tossed up on off, Nissanka advances and drives it down to long off for a single.

Sees the batter advancing and darts it in full and at the batter. PN nearly yorks himself but manages to jam it out.

Nagging length on off, this one slides right on, Nissanka stays back and taps it into the off side.

Nicely flighted, not all that full and drifting in from middle, Pathum Nissanka watchfully blocks it out.

Excellent recovery by Sri Lanka. They lost Madushka early but this partnership has got them back on track. POWERPLAY 2 time. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle, till the 40th over.

Hard length around off, Mendis defends it off from the crease. Just a single off that over.

Not short enough! Back of a length and over middle, skidding through as well. Kusal Mendis swivels to pull but misses and gets hit around the groin region. That one will sting for a bit.

Good length in the channel, angling in, Mendis gets forward and punches it into the off side.

Full and just outside off, Nissanka pushes it towards cover.

On a length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka opens the face of his bat and guides it behind point for a single.

A short ball, outside off, steered towards point.

Pathum Nissanka and Pallekele is a love affair. In 14 previous innings in ODIs here, Nissanka has already crossed 50 7 times, twice going on to reach triple figures. As of now, he has scored 806 runs at this venue, which is nearly a third of his entire ODI career. Averages above 67 at this venue at a strike rate of around 103.

FOUR! Beautifully played and the 50 is up for Sri Lanka. This is looped up by Tanvir, very full and outside off, Kusal Mendis leans across and gets to the pitch of the delivery, caressing it to the left of mid off and picks up yet another boundary.

Slightly flighted, full and on middle, Mendis leans on and clips it across to short mid-wicket.

Full again, angling in towards the pads, Mendis nudges it away to mid on.

Ah... nearly. Full, around middle and off, Kusal Mendis lunges to flick but is early into the shot, which goes back to the bowler, on the bounce.

Landed around middle, Nissanka works it through square leg for a single.

FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Pathum Nissanka goes back, opens the face of his bat and punches it between backward point and short third, for his third boundary! Ths stand moves to 32 (30).

On first look, it seems like the pitch is slow. A couple of balls have already stayed low and the batters are batting well outside the crease and even using their feet against the pacers. We have also seen spin early. Expect plenty of instances of change of pace as the game goes on.

Good length around off, pushed out down to mid off.

FOUR! Looks to go over the top and gets enough on it! Fuller one on off, Kusal Mendis looks to hit with a straight bat but with the angle coming in, he ends up dragging it over and just wide of mid on. The ball races away to the fence.

Good length, from around the wicket and on off, tapped across to silly mid on by Mendis.

Full and around off, Kusal Mendis works it towards short mid-wicket.

Around middle and off, solidly defended.

Full and straight, Pathum Nissanka works it through square leg for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to bowl as well, meaning a double change.

Bowled into the pitch and around off, Pathum Nissanka punches it off the back foot and down to long off for one more.

A tad fuller on middle, staying low, Kusal Mendis gets down on one knee and sweeps it firmly through square leg for a single.

Flatter delivery, on middle, Mendis goes back in the crease and keeps it out.

Full and fast this time, perhaps an arm ball, Nissanka lunges to defend but gets it off the inner half of the bat through square leg. A single taken.

Slower through the air, from around the wicket, tossed up around leg stump, Pathum Nissanka looks to defend but the ball pitches and gently turns away. Gets the leading edge which goes towards point.

Down the leg side, worked towards short mid-wicket.

The umpires are wearing black-arm bands for this game. That is because Bismillah Jan Shinwari, an umpire from Afghanistan, passed away a few minutes ago. He officiated in 34 ODIs and 26 T20Is, with the 2022 Asia Cup being one of his standings as an umpire. Our thoughts are with his family. Moving on, we are going to see spin early. Here's Tanvir Islam.

FOUR! Ends the over with a boundary again, does Mendis! Fuller and wide outside off, Kusal Mendis extends the arms and smacks the drive to the left of cover-point where Parvez Hossain Emon puts in the dive but lets it through for a boundary.

Straight to the fielder! Back of a length and outside off, Mendis punches it firmly from the crease but straight to cover.

An off-paced delivery, on a shortish length and outside off. Kusal Mendis waits back well and punches it square behind point. The fielder there, dives to his left and makes a fine stop.

Around off, worked off the inner half of the bat wide of mid on, to his right, for a single.

Growing in confidence, is this lad. He was in supreme touch during the Test series but lost his touch and confidence in this ODI series. However, he is slowly regaining his confidence. Full, outside off, Nissanka drives it beautifully, although straight to mid off.

Slower ball, but a bit too straight, on middle and leg. Pathum Nissanka works it behind square leg for a couple.

FOUR! Up and over! Full and outside off, Mendis hits this straight back to where it came from. Over the bowler and down the ground, to the long off boundary.

Excellent fielding by Parvez Hossain Emon. On a length, outside off, Kusal Mendis punches it through point but Emon throws himself to his left and makes a lovely stop.

Landed outside off, driven towards mid off.

Edged, but no second slip! Debatable, whether it should have been present or not. There is no point in keeping two slips if the ball is not swinging. And also, it depends whether the bowler wants it. So cannot blame Mehidy Hasan Miraz for removing that second slip post the opening over. On a length, outside off, a touch wide, coming in with the angle, Pathum pushes hard at it and gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies straight to vacant second slip and down to deep third. A single taken.

Landed around off, Pathum Nissanka gets right behind the line to defend.

On middle and leg, worked towards square leg.

FOUR! That's beautifully manoeuvred. On a length, outside off, Kusal Mendis gets across and works it through mid-wicket. It is just a push but the ball races away!

Short and wide outside off, Kusal slashes hard, but only gets a bottom edge, which goes on a couple of bounces to the keeper behind.

On middle and off again, moving away, pushed into the off side.

Landed around middle and off, Mendis comes forward and defends.

FOUR! Easy peasy. 200 on? A short ball, outside off, Kusal Mendis picks the length in a trice and pulls it through square leg, to get off the mark in style!

Kusal Mendis walks in next, at number 3, replacing Nishan Madushka. Batting coach Thilina Kandamby was of the opinion that in the first ODI, Mendis could have easily got 150-200. Today could be a good opportunity again.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! This time, Madushka was ready, but he has to go back. On a length, outside off, Nishan Madushka pushes at it, but does so away from his body. There is some extra bounce on offer and the ball takes the outside edge. Goes straight but quick to Najmul Hossain Shanto at first slip. The former skipper is a bit taken aback by the quickness at which the ball reached him and stutters slightly, but manages to clutch the ball to his right, near his chest. Madushka departs for 1 (6) and Sri Lanka are 13/1 after 3.1 overs!

A short ball, outside off, Nissanka looks to cut it away but plays too early and gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Landed outside off, stays low again, Nishan Madushka looks to punch but gets a bottom edge towards deep third. A single taken.

Down the leg side, clipped straight to short mid-wicket.

Outside off, moving away, left alone.

Around off, Madushka looks to drive but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

Lack of awareness of game rules? Could have been the end of Madushka, simply because of lack of knowledge. He was not ready to face but Taskin had already started steaming in. Now, a batter has the right to pull out, if he or she is not ready to face the ball. But Madushka chose to play at it and nearly got out, as the ball missed the outside edge, beating his defense. Remember a game in the earlier years, where Shane Watson was facing a bowler, I think Andre Russell, but Russell pulled out of the delivery stride midway. But then, he suddenly got full steam towards the umpire and Watto was dumbstruck. And got out as well. Tried to complain to the umpires, but the rule clearly states - if you are not ready, pull out.

Around off, pushed towards mid on.

Full, around middle, this time PN looks to flick but gets done in as the ball straightens off the deck. It goes off the leading edge towards cover.

And again. Similar line and length, Nissanka looks to flick again, misses again, gets hit on the pads again.

On a length, outside off, coming in, Pathum looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.

FOUR! Beautifully done. Overpitched, around off, Nissanka leans and drives it between mid off and cover for a boundary!

A length delivery, around middle, clipped towards short mid-wicket.

WIDE. Slipped down the leg side, Pathum Nissanka looks to flick but misses.

Who will bowl with the second new ball? It will be Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Landed outside off, steered towards deep third for a single. 7 from the opening over.

This one stays a touch low, pushed towards mid on.

FOUR! Fine shot. Short and wide outside off, Pathum Nissanka cuts it behind point and the ball races away, beating deep third to his right!

Full and outside off, hint of away movement, shouldered arms to.

On a length, outside off, punched through the covers for a couple.

On a length, outside off, left alone.

The players make their way out to the middle. Out walk the Lankan openers - Pathum Nissanka  and Nishan Madushka. Taskin Ahmed, fresh from a rest in the previous game, will take the first new ball.

PITCH REPORT - Former Sri Lankan allrounder, FARVEEZ MAHAROOF, has a look at the deck. Does not feel that the pitch looks much dissimilar from the ones dished out in Colombo. Opines that the surface is not that dry but has lot of brown grass that has been rolled in nicely. Feels that the pitch will be very good for batting, especially against the new balls. Feels that we could see some spin in the middle overs. Informs that 8 out of the last 10 ODIs here have been won by the side chasing but you want to bat first here in this heat.

The captain of Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz agrees with Asalanka, affirming that the wicket looks good and history says that 280 would be a good score here. But he definitely would want to field first as he reckons that sometimes, the pitches here can spin a bit in the first innings. On the team changes, Mehidy informs that Taskin Ahmed is back and replaces Hasan Mahmud. On the thought of the series being on the line, Miraz says that it is a great opportunity for his side. Adds that his players are excited and hopes that everyone perform and Bangladesh win.

The skipper of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, feels that the pitch looks like the usual ones in Kandy. On a good score on this deck, Asalanka says that he thinks 280 would be a par score. On the feeling of the series being on the line, Charith calls it really interesting. Wants to forget what happened in the previous game and wants to come back hard like any good team. Informs that Sri Lanka are going in unchanged from the previous match.

Another good news. The weather was expected to be iffy but for now, it is bright and sunny. Let's hope the weather stays clear till the end of this grand finale.

Good news from Bangladesh's point of view. Najmul Hossain Shanto was in doubt for this clash but he passed the fitness test just before the toss. He was stretchered off the field in the second innings of the second ODI.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (WK), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed (In for Hasan Mahmud).

Sri Lanka (Unchanged XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando.

TOSS - Sri Lanka have won the toss and they will BAT first.

For Sri Lanka, the focus will be on their top order firing consistently, while their spin attack, led by the impactful Wanindu Hasaranga, will be key to stifling the Bangladeshi batting lineup. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their resilience in the second ODI and will look to their spinners, particularly Tanvir Islam, to continue their impressive form. This match is not just about winning the series for Bangladesh, it's an opportunity to create history by securing their first-ever ODI series win on Sri Lankan soil. Stick around for the toss and team news which aren't far away.

The Pallekele pitch is expected to offer a balanced surface that could assist both batters and bowlers. While early on, fast bowlers might find some swing and seam movement, the conditions are likely to ease out as the game progresses, favoring the batters. Historically, chasing teams have had more success at this venue, suggesting that the toss could play a crucial role. Rain is also in the forecast, adding another layer of uncertainty to this high-stakes encounter.

Sri Lanka dominated the first ODI with a convincing 77-run victory, largely thanks to Charith Asalanka's century and Wanindu Hasaranga's four-wicket haul. However, Bangladesh staged a remarkable comeback in the second match, securing a 16-run win on the back of Tanvir Islam's sensational five-wicket haul, setting up a captivating decider.

The series is poised for a thrilling conclusion as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh face off in the third and final One Day International at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. With the series level at 1-1, both teams will be eager to stamp their authority and clinch the coveted trophy. On that note, hello and welcome to the coverage!

... MATCH DAY ...

The caravan rolls into Kandy for the third and final ODI of the series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with the contest tantalisingly poised at 1-1. The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is all set to host what promises to be a cracking decider. Bangladesh were left ruing a dramatic collapse in the opener, losing 7 wickets for just 5 runs from a winning position, but they bounced back in style to snap a seven-match losing streak in the format. In response to Bangladesh’s 248, Sri Lanka made a steady start at 75 for 1 but then lost wickets at regular intervals. From 170 for 8, Janith Liyanage reignited their hopes, but once he fell, Sri Lanka’s chances went down with him. While Charith Asalanka starred with the bat in the first game, it was Janith Liyanage and Kusal Mendis who made impactful contributions in the second. The hosts will look to Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis to step up with the bat. With the ball, Wanindu Hasaranga has been the standout performer, but Maheesh Theekshana’s lack of impact is a concern, having picked up just one wicket across the two games. As for Bangladesh, they needed someone to step up in the absence of Taskin Ahmed, who was rested for the previous game, and Tanvir Islam did just that, claiming a five-wicket haul in only his second ODI. The potential return of Taskin will strengthen their pace attack, which will be crucial given Mustafizur Rahman's ongoing struggles with both form and fitness in this series. In the batting department, contributions have come from various individuals, with Jaker Ali, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, and Tawhid Hridoy all registering fifties. However, former ODI captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is yet to make a significant impact, and there can not be a better occasion than the series decider for him to come to the party. History beckons for Bangladesh, who have never won an ODI series in Sri Lanka. Can the Tigers script history? Or will Sri Lanka rise to the occasion and deny them once again? We shall find out.