Sri Lanka secured the bronze medal in men’s cricket at the Asian Games after defeating Bangladesh by 63 runs in the third-place playoff in Nishin, Japan.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Lanka struggled early, losing their first four wickets for just 21 runs. Ashen Bandara was dismissed for 18 as Bangladesh’s bowlers put Sri Lanka under pressure.
However, Sahan Arachchige and Tharindu Rathnayake rescued the innings with a crucial 93-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Rathnayake top-scored with a blistering 65 off 32 balls, smashing seven fours and five sixes, while Arachchige contributed 33 runs.
Sri Lanka finished their 20 overs on 165 for 9. Mehidy Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman claimed two wickets each for Bangladesh.
In reply, Bangladesh suffered a disastrous start, losing their first three wickets for just four runs as Sri Lanka’s bowlers seized control of the contest.
Towhid Hridoy was dismissed for 11 by Rathnayake, while Nasum Ahmed top-scored for Bangladesh with 26 runs.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.3 overs, handing Sri Lanka a comprehensive 63-run victory and the Asian Games bronze medal.
Nuwan Thushara, Tharindu Rathnayake, Wanuja Sahan and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth took two wickets each to lead Sri Lanka’s bowling effort.
