Sri Lanka secured the bronze medal in the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026, defeating Bangladesh by 63 runs in the third-place play-off at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on October 3.
After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka recovered from a difficult start to post 165/9 in 20 overs. Bangladesh struggled throughout the chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.3 overs, handing Sri Lanka a 63-run victory and the bronze medal.
Sri Lanka Recover to Post 165/9
Sri Lanka endured a difficult beginning after losing four wickets for just 21 runs. The early collapse put pressure on the batting lineup, but the team gradually rebuilt its innings.
Sahan Arachchige provided stability with a patient 33 off 37 balls, while Ashen Bandara contributed 18 runs.
The decisive momentum came late in the innings through Tharindu Ratnayake, who produced an aggressive counterattack.
Ratnayake smashed 65 runs from just 32 balls, including seven fours and five sixes. His strike rate of more than 200 transformed Sri Lanka’s innings and helped them recover from 54/5 to finish on 165/9.
Bangladesh Chase Collapses
Bangladesh's chase got off to a disastrous start as Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan and captain Litton Das were dismissed without scoring.
Bangladesh were reduced to 4/3, leaving their middle order with a major rebuilding task.
Parvez Hossain Emon and Yasir Ali attempted to steady the innings, scoring 20 and 21 respectively. Nasum Ahmed later contributed 26 off 28 balls, but Bangladesh continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.
The required momentum never arrived, and Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.3 overs.
Sri Lanka Bowlers Maintain Pressure
Sri Lanka's bowlers kept Bangladesh under pressure throughout the innings.
Nuwan Thushara, Wanuja Sahan, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Tharindu Ratnayake claimed two wickets each as Sri Lanka's attack repeatedly broke Bangladesh's partnerships.
With Bangladesh unable to establish a significant partnership, Sri Lanka completed a 63-run victory with 15 balls remaining.
Sri Lanka Secure Asian Games Bronze
The victory earned Sri Lanka the men's cricket bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026.
The result also marked a strong response after their semi-final defeat against India, when Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 45 while chasing India's 169/7.
Sri Lanka's bronze-medal victory completed the cricket podium, with India and Pakistan set to contest the gold medal later on October 3.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Scorecard
Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
Sri Lanka | 165/9 (20 overs) | 🥉 Bronze |
Bangladesh | 102 all out (17.3 overs) | Lost by 63 runs |
Top scorer: Tharindu Ratnayake – 65 (32)
Bangladesh top scorer: Nasum Ahmed – 26 (28)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 63 runs
Venue: Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin
Date: October 3, 2026
Key Takeaways
Sri Lanka won the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket bronze medal.
Sri Lanka scored 165/9 after being asked to bat first.
Tharindu Ratnayake smashed 65 off 32 balls.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 102 in 17.3 overs.
Sri Lanka won the bronze-medal match by 63 runs.
The gold-medal match between India and Pakistan follows later on October 3.
