Ratnayake’s explosive 65 and two wickets inspire Sri Lanka to a 63-run victory over Bangladesh
Tharindu Ratnayake produced a stunning all-round performance as Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 63 runs to secure the bronze medal in the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games.
After rescuing Sri Lanka with a blistering 65 off 32 balls, Ratnayake returned with the ball to claim two wickets as Bangladesh were bowled out for 102 in 17.3 overs.
Sri Lanka, who had suffered a heavy defeat to India in the semi-final, recovered from another disastrous start to post 165 for 9, with Ratnayake’s counter-attacking innings transforming the contest.
Ratnayake Turns the Innings Around
Sri Lanka were in serious trouble at 21 for 4 after losing their top four cheaply.
Captain Sahan Arachchige steadied the innings alongside Ashen Bandara before Ratnayake arrived and completely changed the momentum.
The ambidextrous all-rounder smashed five sixes and seven fours during his 32-ball assault, sharing a remarkable 93-run sixth-wicket partnership with Arachchige.
Ratnayake began his onslaught with a switch-hit six before targeting Bangladesh’s bowlers with an array of innovative and conventional strokes.
Mustafizur Rahman was particularly expensive, conceding 25 runs in his first over, while Rishad Hossain was also attacked as Ratnayake raced to his half-century from just 26 deliveries.
Sri Lanka finished with 64 runs from the final five overs, giving themselves a competitive total after their early collapse.
Bangladesh Lose Three Early Wickets
Sri Lanka carried their momentum into the chase.
Nuwan Thushara struck with the final delivery of the opening over, removing Saif Hassan after a disciplined start.
Ratnayake then made his impact with the new ball, dismissing Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy.
In between those wickets, Thushara produced a yorker to remove Litton Das, leaving Bangladesh in deep trouble during the powerplay.
Spin Completes Sri Lanka’s Victory
Bangladesh briefly threatened to recover but were soon undone by Sri Lanka’s spin attack.
Vijayakanth Viyaskanth removed Parvez Hossain Emon for 20 before Mahedi Hasan was dismissed lbw from the very next delivery.
Wanuja Sahan then produced two important breakthroughs, taking a sharp return catch to dismiss Rishad Hossain before bowling Yasir Ali.
Nasum Ahmed top-scored for Bangladesh with 26, but his resistance ended when he fell to Sri Lankan captain Arachchige in the 18th over.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 102, completing a comprehensive 63-run victory for Sri Lanka.
Bronze Medal for Sri Lanka
The victory gave Sri Lanka a bronze medal at the Asian Games after their semi-final defeat to India.
Ratnayake’s contribution proved decisive at both ends of the innings, rescuing Sri Lanka from 21 for 4 with the bat before returning to take two key wickets.
His 65 off 32 balls ultimately proved the defining performance of the bronze-medal contest.
