Sri Lanka secured the bronze medal in the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games in Japan 2026 after defeating Bangladesh by 63 runs in the 3rd Place Play Off at Korogi Sports Park. After electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 165/9 in their 20 overs before Bangladesh were bowled out for 102 in 17.3 overs.
Tharindu Ratnayake powers Sri Lanka to 165
Sri Lanka endured a difficult start after losing several wickets cheaply, but Tharindu Ratnayake produced a spectacular counter-attacking innings to give his side a competitive total. He smashed 65 runs from just 32 deliveries, hitting seven fours and five sixes.
Sahan Arachchige provided valuable support with a patient 33 off 37 balls, while Ashen Bandara contributed 18 from 24 deliveries. However, most of the Sri Lankan top order struggled to make an impact, with Lasith Croospulle scoring two, Sineth Jayawardena three and Nuwanidu Fernando one.
Ratnayake’s late assault proved decisive as Sri Lanka finished on 165/9. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth also added a quick six from two balls, while Wanuja Sahan chipped in with five runs.
Mahedi Hasan leads Bangladesh bowling effort
Bangladesh’s bowlers managed to keep Sri Lanka under pressure for much of the innings, with Mahedi Hasan delivering an excellent spell. He finished with 2/19 from his four overs, while Saif Hassan also claimed two wickets for 28 runs. Mustafizur Rahman picked up 2/43 from his four overs, while Aliss Al Islam and Rishad Hossain took one wicket each. Nasum Ahmed was economical, conceding only eight runs from his two overs without taking a wicket.
Despite their disciplined spells early on, Bangladesh struggled to contain Ratnayake during the final stages, allowing Sri Lanka to reach a defendable total.
Sri Lanka bowlers dismantle Bangladesh batting
Bangladesh’s chase got off to a disastrous start as their top order collapsed rapidly. Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Litton Das were dismissed without scoring, leaving Bangladesh under immediate pressure.
Parvez Hossain Emon attempted to rebuild the innings with 20 off 26 balls, while Towhid Hridoy struck 11 from six deliveries. Yasir Ali Chowdhury added 21 off 16, including two fours and a six, but Bangladesh continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.
Nasum Ahmed provided the biggest resistance with 26 off 28 balls, including two fours and a six. Rishad Hossain also scored a brisk 10 from five deliveries, but the lower order could not produce enough runs to keep the chase alive. Nuwan Thushara, Tharindu Ratnayake and Viyaskanth claimed two wickets apiece for Sri Lanka. Sahan also took 2/17 from four overs, while Sahan Arachchige and Dushan Hemantha picked up one wicket each.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.3 overs, handing Sri Lanka a 63-run victory and the bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan Men’s 2026.
A comprehensive victory for Sri Lanka, who seal the bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 🥉#SriLankaCricket #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/yqoJydWb30
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 3, 2026
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