Sri Lanka’s 8th consecutive ODI Series win
Kusal Mendis played a brilliant knock of 124 to help Sri Lanka defeat Bangladesh by 99 runs in the third ODI. With this win, Sri Lanka clinched the three-match series 2-1 and extended their home ODI series winning streak to eight. Sri Lanka’s 8th consecutive ODI Series win happened after their win gainst Bangladesh in 3rd Odi.
The match took place on July 8 in Pallekele, where Sri Lanka posted a competitive 285/7 batting first. Mendis anchored the innings, sharing a century stand with Charith Asalanka, who scored a fluent 58. The hosts lost early wickets, but Kusal and Asalanka steadied the ship with a strong fourth-wicket partnership. Kusal brought up his sixth ODI ton in just 95 balls, showing complete control and smart stroke play.
Bangladesh failed to restrict Sri Lanka in the final overs, allowing them to cross 280. Chasing 286, Bangladesh had a poor start, losing two wickets inside four overs. Towhid Hridoy fought hard with a 51-run knock, but lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup.
Dushmantha Chameera (3-51) and Asitha Fernando (3-33) led the bowling attack with aggression and precision. Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga took two wickets each, completing the demolition in 39.4 overs. Bangladesh were bowled out for 186, handing Sri Lanka a comprehensive win.
Brief Scores:
- Sri Lanka 285/7 (Kusal 124, Asalanka 58)
- Bangladesh 186 all out (Hridoy 51; Chameera 3-51, Fernando 3-33)
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 99 runs
South Africa Thrash Zimbabwe to Seal 2-0 Test Series Victory
South Africa wrapped up a dominant Test series win by crushing Zimbabwe by an innings and 236 runs in Bulawayo. The visitors needed just over two sessions on Day 3 to bowl out Zimbabwe for 220 and seal a 2-0 sweep. Zimbabwe resumed at 51/1, but they lost Takudzwanashe Kaitano early to Senuran Muthusamy.
Then, stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder knocked over Sean Williams, tightening South Africa’s grip. Nick Welch and Craig Ervine offered some resistance with a 50-run stand across 21 overs. However, Muthusamy broke the partnership with a sharp turner, and the collapse began.
Welch fell shortly after reaching his fifty, sending a leading edge to slip. Then, Codi Yusuf removed Madhevere and Tsiga in quick succession to dismantle the middle order. Ervine missed out on a half-century and was dismissed by Corbin Bosch, who took three wickets in one spell.
Blessing Muzarabani fell in the same over, leaving Zimbabwe tottering at 184/9. Wellington Masakadza and Tanaka Chivanga added 36 runs for the final wicket, delaying the inevitable. Chivanga’s 22 off 26, including a six, added late entertainment, but Muthusamy ended the resistance. Zimbabwe were all out for 220, giving South Africa a crushing innings win.
Key Performers:
- Wiaan Mulder: 367* in first innings (match-turning knock)
- Muthusamy: Key wickets in both innings
- Bosch and Yusuf: Crucial breakthroughs to finish off the job
Summary of Sri Lanka’s 8th consecutive ODI Series win & SA Whitewash vs Zim
Sri Lanka defeat Bangladesh 2-1 in the ODI series, with Kusal Mendis starring in the final match. South Africa whitewash Zimbabwe 2-0 in Tests, winning the second Test by an innings and 236 runs. Both teams now head into their upcoming assignments with high morale and strengthened lineups.
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