Sri Lanka seal Asian Games cricket Bronze after 63-run win over Bangladesh

Sri Lanka secured the bronze medal in the men’s cricket event at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Bangladesh by 63 runs in Nisshin on Saturday, with Tharindu Rathnayake delivering a memorable all-round performance.

Rathnayake played the decisive role with both bat and ball, smashing a rapid 65 from just 32 deliveries before returning to claim two wickets as Bangladesh’s chase collapsed.

Sri Lanka’s innings began disastrously, with the team losing four wickets for only 21 runs during the opening four overs. What initially appeared to be a difficult batting situation was transformed by captain Sahan Arachchige and Rathnayake.

The pair launched a remarkable recovery, putting together 93 runs from 46 balls for the sixth wicket. Their aggressive partnership gave Sri Lanka the momentum needed to post a competitive total.

Rathnayake was particularly destructive during his short stay at the crease. His 65 included seven boundaries and five sixes, putting the Bangladesh bowlers under sustained pressure.

Sri Lanka finished strongly, scoring 64 runs during the final five overs of their innings. The late surge turned a shaky start into a challenging target for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh needed a strong response with the bat but struggled against Sri Lanka’s varied bowling attack from the beginning of the chase.

Sri Lankan spinners kept the Bangladesh batters under pressure, while the pace attack provided little room for recovery. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, preventing Bangladesh from building any meaningful partnership.

The chase eventually ended after 17.3 overs, with Bangladesh bowled out for 102 runs.

Rathnayake completed his outstanding contribution by taking two important wickets, while Nuwan Thushara and Sri Lanka’s other bowlers and spinners maintained pressure throughout the innings.

The 63-run victory gave Sri Lanka the bronze medal and provided a strong finish to their Asian Games campaign.

For Bangladesh, the defeat ended their hopes of taking bronze despite reaching the medal stage. Their batting struggled to cope with Sri Lanka’s bowling after the island side had recovered impressively from its early collapse.

Rathnayake’s performance ultimately proved the difference. His explosive half-century rescued Sri Lanka’s innings before his bowling helped dismantle Bangladesh’s chase, making him the standout performer in the bronze-medal contest.