HIGHLIGHTS Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Bangladesh in Sri Lanka 3 ODI Series 2025, 3rd ODI- Result, Scorecard

The players are back out in the middle. Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan are the openers out for Bangladesh. Asitha Fernando has the first new ball in his hand. He will start off against Emon. Let's play!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Building more on the Zim-SA Test series, it is not just Wiaan Mulder's unbeaten 367 which has grabbed the headlines. Kundai Matigimu, a fast bowler from Zimbabwe, has been fined 15 percent of his match fee and also handed a demerit point, for 'inappropriate and dangerous' conduct on Day 1 of the second Test. There was a ball which Lhuan-dre Pretorius defended back to the bowler, Matigimu, who picked it up and fired a throw back at the batter, hitting him near the wrist. Irrespective of whether this was done deliberately or not, the ICC has monitored it closely and come to the conclusion that it was not within sporting conduct at all. Aggression is good but when not toned, can go out of hand.

Talking about pressure, Zimbabwe have succumbed to incessant pressure against South Africa in the second Test in Bulawayo, losing by an innings and 236 runs inside 8 sessions. Having conceded 626 in the first innings and folding up for 170 inside 43 overs in their own first dig, this was coming, but what would have disappointed the home side is that, it was 153/3 in the second innings. However, half centurion Nick Welch's dismissal triggered a collapse and from 153/3, they folded up for 220. In the morning session, it did seem like the hosts were up for a fight but the Proteas just blew the game open post Lunch. Corbin Bosch finished with 4 scalps while Senuran Muthusamy had a good outing with 3 wickets. Not surprisingly, South Africa clean sweep the series 2-0 but they will not get any WTC points, as this series was not included in the WTC cycle. From Zimbabwe's point of view, they will gain a lot from this experience, before they take on New Zealand in their next Test assignment at home, in the last week of July.

Right then, 286 is the target for Bangladesh and it is definitely gettable given how the pitch has played. However, we have seen in the first two games that there is some added pressure on the chasing team and with Bangladesh not just chasing a win but a maiden series win in Sri Lanka, the pressure will be on them. It should be an entertaining chase with both sides looking to take the bragging rights. Stay tuned.

Taskin Ahmed was the one who put an end to a stellar 124-run stand between Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka and that triggered a mini collapse for Sri Lanka as they went from being 224/3 to 259/7 in the next 7 odd overs. Bangladesh let things slip again and the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera were able to find a few boundaries right at the death to take the hosts over the 280 mark.

The innings ebbed and flowed for a bit but the Bangladeshi spinners did get a couple of wickets to peg Sri Lanka back to 100/3 in 21 overs but then came a decisive stand between Kusal Mendis and skipper Charith Asalanka. The bowlers looked out of sorts as Mendis and Asalanka piled on the runs, with the former going on to notch up a 6th ODI ton and even the skipper made 58 useful runs before getting out.

Generally, we see some early seam movement in Pallekele, but the Bangladeshi pacers didn't get much from the deck or in the air. However, Tanzim Hasan Sakib got the wicket of Nishan Madushka pretty early on and Bangladesh had something to build on. They couldn't capitalize and Kusal Mendis' aggressive start pushed the visitors onto the back foot and there was a 56-run partnership between Mendis and Pathum Nissanka.

At the toss, we heard Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan captain, say that they wanted to put 280 runs on the board and they have done exactly that. The pitch looked to be on the slower side to begin with but it just kept on getting better to bat on. The hosts will feel that they could have surpassed the 300-run mark, given they were 222/3 at one stage but Bangladesh pulled things back a bit with a flurry of wickets in the last 10 overs.

Mustafizur Rahman to Dushmantha Chameera, 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!

Mustafizur Rahman to Wanindu Hasaranga, 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.

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Dushmantha Chameera, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Wanindu Hasaranga, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Wanindu Hasaranga, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Dushmantha Chameera, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Dushmantha Chameera, 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.

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

Taskin Ahmed to Dushmantha Chameera, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, 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!

Mustafizur Rahman to Wanindu Hasaranga, 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.

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Dushmantha Chameera, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Dushmantha Chameera, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Wanindu Hasaranga, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Wanindu Hasaranga, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Dushmantha Chameera, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to 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!

Taskin Ahmed to Dunith Wellalage, 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.

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

Taskin Ahmed to Dunith Wellalage, Fullish, outside off, driven through the covers for a run.

Taskin Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, A short ball, outside off, pushed through point for a single.

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

Shamim Hossain to Dunith Wellalage, A tad short and wide, cut away hard but straight to backward point.

Shamim Hossain to Wanindu Hasaranga, 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.

Shamim Hossain to 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.

Shamim Hossain to Dunith Wellalage, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.

Shamim Hossain to Dunith Wellalage, 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!

Shamim Hossain to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Janith Liyanage, 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.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, Around off, swept through mid-wicket for a single.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, 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).

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Janith Liyanage, Similar ball, Liyanage works it through mid-wicket for one.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

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

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

Shamim Hossain to Janith Liyanage, 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.

Shamim Hossain to Kusal Mendis, Down the leg side, clipped towards square leg for one.

Shamim Hossain to Janith Liyanage, On off, punched down to long off for a run.

Shamim Hossain to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Janith Liyanage, Outside off, punched straight to short extra cover.

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

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

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Janith Liyanage, Quicker ball, around off, nearly skids through. Liyanage picks it from the off stump and punches it towards cover.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Janith Liyanage, Pushed back to the bowler who stops it with his right boot.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Janith Liyanage, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Janith Liyanage, Down the leg side, worked through square leg for a run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Janith Liyanage, Looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.

Mustafizur Rahman to Janith Liyanage, 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.

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Janith Liyanage, 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.

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

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, Another full toss, hit straight to short mid-wicket.

Taskin Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to 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!

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, Full toss, tailing in, pushed through mid on for a run.

Taskin Ahmed to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Charith Asalanka, Short, outside off, slapped through point for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Charith Asalanka, 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).

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, 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).

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, On a length, outside off, KM eases it through the covers for a single.

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, 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)!

Taskin Ahmed to Charith Asalanka, On a good length, outside off, punched through the covers for a run.

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

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, Full, outside off, pushed to the left of mid off for a quick single.

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

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, 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?

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, Floated outside off, driven towards cover.

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

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, Landed around off, pushed towards point.

Tanvir Islam to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Kusal Mendis, Outside off, pushed towards cover.

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

Tanvir Islam to Charith Asalanka, 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.

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

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

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, Short and outside off, cut straight to point.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, Down the leg side, hint of turn, nudged through mid-wicket for another single.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, Short and outside off, Asalanka rocks back and slaps it towards deep point for one.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, On middle, knocked down to long on for a run.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, 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 to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Charith Asalanka, Short and on leg, nudged away from the crease and past square leg for a run.

Tanvir Islam to Charith Asalanka, 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.

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

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

Tanvir Islam to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Charith Asalanka, Short of a length and around leg, tucked away in front of mid-wicket for an easy single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, Another slower one on a good length and over middle and leg, nudged away 'round the corner on the leg side for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

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

Shamim Hossain to Kusal Mendis, Floated up on middle, pushed down to long on for a single.

Shamim Hossain to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

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

Tanvir Islam to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Charith Asalanka, Flighted ball, full and on leg, pushed down to long on for a single.

Tanvir Islam to Charith Asalanka, 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.

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

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

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

Shamim Hossain to Charith Asalanka, Flatter delivery outside off, dabbed down towards short third.

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

Shamim Hossain to Charith Asalanka, 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.

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

Shamim Hossain to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

Tanvir Islam to Charith Asalanka, 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.

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

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

Tanvir Islam to Charith Asalanka, A touch quicker and shorter, Charith Asalanka defends.

Tanvir Islam to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, 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.

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

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, Fuller and quicker, angled into middle and leg, Asalanka plays it out towards cover.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, Outside off, punched towards cover point.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, 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).

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, 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.

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

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Charith Asalanka, On a length, outside off, pushed towards cover.

Mustafizur Rahman to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Charith Asalanka, 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.

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

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

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, Drops it short on middle, angling it in, Asalanka hops back and pushes it through covers for a single.

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

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, Landed around off, from around the wicket, Charith Asalanka reaches out and defends.

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, Around off, pushed towards cover.

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, Landed outside off, well blocked out.

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, A touch short, punched towards long on for a run.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, Landed around off, pushed back to the bowler.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, 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.

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

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

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, Around off, solidly defended.

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

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

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Charith Asalanka, On a length, outside off, moving away with the angle, Asalanka plays inside the line and misses.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, On middle and off, watchfully defended.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, 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.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Charith Asalanka, Fuller, around off, pushed into the off side.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, Short, outside off, cut through point for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Charith Asalanka, On middle, worked through square leg.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Charith Asalanka, Full and just around off, Charith Asalanka defends.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Charith Asalanka, Down the leg side, tucked through square leg for a run to get off the mark.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, Worked through square leg for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kamindu Mendis, 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!

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kamindu Mendis, Down the leg side, tucked towards short mid-wicket.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kamindu Mendis, Full, outside off, pushed towards cover-point.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kamindu Mendis, Pushed towards mid on.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kamindu Mendis, 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).

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Around off, defended solidly.

Taskin Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Full, on middle, driven towards mid on.

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

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, Landed around off, worked towards short mid-wicket.

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, Worked through square leg for one.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kamindu Mendis, Full and straight, 91 kph, Kamindu pushes it towards long on for a run.

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

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, Down the leg side, milked through mid-wicket for a single.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, Good change of pace, slowing the ball down, pushed towards the off side.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Full and straight, watchfully defended.

Taskin Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Full and straight, Kamindu drives it towards mid off.

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

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, Outside off, on a length, punched towards deep point for a single.

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

Tanvir Islam to Kamindu Mendis, Quicker, around middle, Kamindu works it towards mid-wicket for a single.

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

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

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

Tanvir Islam to Kamindu Mendis, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, 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.

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

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

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, Hattrick of dots. Outside off, driven straight to point.

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

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

Tanvir Islam to Kamindu Mendis, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Kamindu Mendis, 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.

Tanvir Islam to 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!

Tanvir Islam to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

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

Tanvir Islam to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

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

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Pathum Nissanka, Flighted ball, around middle, defended down the line by Pathum.

Tanvir Islam to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

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

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Pathum Nissanka, Good length again, on middle and leg, flicked away off the pads and through square leg for another single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, Good length and outside off, cut away to deep point for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

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

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

Tanvir Islam to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, Full and just outside off, Nissanka pushes it towards cover.

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

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

Tanvir Islam to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Pathum Nissanka, Landed around middle, Nissanka works it through square leg for a single.

Tanvir Islam to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, Good length around off, pushed out down to mid off.

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

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

Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis, Around middle and off, solidly defended.

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

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

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

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

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

Tanvir Islam to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

Tanvir Islam to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, 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.

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

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Pathum Nissanka, Around off, worked off the inner half of the bat wide of mid on, to his right, for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

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

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, Landed outside off, driven towards mid off.

Taskin Ahmed to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

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

Taskin Ahmed to Pathum Nissanka, On middle and leg, worked towards square leg.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, 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!

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, On middle and off again, moving away, pushed into the off side.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, Landed around middle and off, Mendis comes forward and defends.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Kusal Mendis, 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.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Nishan Madushka, 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!

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

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

Taskin Ahmed to Nishan Madushka, Down the leg side, clipped straight to short mid-wicket.

Taskin Ahmed to Nishan Madushka, Outside off, moving away, left alone.

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

Taskin Ahmed to Nishan Madushka, 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.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Pathum Nissanka, Around off, pushed towards mid on.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

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

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

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

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Pathum Nissanka, A length delivery, around middle, clipped towards short mid-wicket.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Pathum Nissanka, 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.

Taskin Ahmed to Pathum Nissanka, Landed outside off, steered towards deep third for a single. 7 from the opening over.

Taskin Ahmed to Pathum Nissanka, This one stays a touch low, pushed towards mid on.

Taskin Ahmed to Pathum Nissanka, 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!

Taskin Ahmed to Pathum Nissanka, Full and outside off, hint of away movement, shouldered arms to.

Taskin Ahmed to Pathum Nissanka, On a length, outside off, punched through the covers for a couple.

Taskin Ahmed to Pathum Nissanka, 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.