A target of 286 was challenging, but certainly not insurmountable. After all, Bangladesh had successfully chased 280 against this very Sri Lankan side in the last ODI World Cup. Yesterday, they had a golden opportunity to clinch their first-ever bilateral ODI series win against Sri Lanka. But the Tigers never truly looked like a side determined to chase down the target, eventually folding for just 186 to suffer a 99-run defeat.

The real difference-maker in the match was Kusal Mendis. He not only scored a century but also stitched together a half-century and a century partnership, propelling Sri Lanka to a competitive 285 for 7.

His absence was deeply felt in the Bangladesh lineup, which lacked a similar anchor.

Once again, the opening stand failed to deliver for Bangladesh. With just 19 on the board, Tanzid Hasan Tamim (17) departed, soon followed by Najmul Hossain Shanto. The former captain played an irresponsible shot, attempting a push to a length delivery from Dushmantha Chameera that pitched outside off and nipped in, and was bowled, leaving Bangladesh at 20 for 2.
 

Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy briefly stabilised the innings with a 42-run partnership, but Dunith Wellalage broke the stand when Emon (28) fell to a catch at the boundary attempting a slog sweep.

Bangladesh reached the 100-run mark without further loss, but soon after, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz fell to Wellalage as well, scoring 28 off 25 balls.

Unlike Sri Lanka, which forged a crucial century stand after losing four wickets, Bangladesh failed to put together even a 50-run partnership after being 104 for 4. Hridoy, who came in at No. 4, scored 51 off 78 balls with 3 fours and 1 six, finishing with a strike rate of 65.38. Asitha Fernando and Chameera claimed three wickets each to dismantle the Bangladesh batting.

Earlier, Sri Lanka opted to bat and posted 285 for 7, thanks largely to Kusal Mendis' 124. Despite losing opener Nishan Madushka for 0 in the second over – courtesy of Tanzim Hasan Sakib – the hosts recovered through a 56-run second-wicket partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Mendis. Nissanka was dismissed for 35 by Tanvir Islam, who had starred in Bangladesh's previous win.

Mendis continued to anchor the innings, adding 31 with Kamindu Mendis for the third wicket before Kamindu fell to Mehidy.

The Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka then joined Kusal for a vital stand, with the pair putting on a composed 117-run partnership. At one stage, they seemed poised to push the total past 300. However, Bangladesh pulled things back, conceding only 63 runs in the final 10 overs.

Taskin Ahmed dismissed Asalanka (58) in the 41st over, while Mehidy accounted for Janith Liyanage (12). Shamim Hossain Patwary claimed the prized wicket of Kusal Mendis, who miscued a pull shot off a short ball and offered a return catch. Mendis' 114-ball innings was studded with 18 boundaries.

In the end, Mendis' masterclass proved to be the decisive factor, exposing Bangladesh's lack of temperament and depth in the chase.