Sri Lanka claimed the bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket competition by defeating Bangladesh by 63 runs in the 3rd Place Play-off at Korogi
Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, on October 3, 2026. Tharindu Ratnayake produced a match-winning all-round performance, scoring 65 runs off 32 balls and then returning figures of 2 wickets for 18 runs as Bangladesh were bowled out for 102 in 17.3 overs.
Sri Lanka posted 165/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Bangladesh were set a target of 166 but never threatened it, losing all ten wickets for 102 runs and falling 63 runs short. Nuwan Thushara was the other standout bowler for Sri Lanka, also finishing with 2 wickets for 18 runs, while Nasum Ahmed top-scored for Bangladesh with just 26 runs in a largely disappointing batting display.
How did Sri Lanka recover from a shaky start with the bat?
Sri Lanka's innings began in alarming fashion. All four of their top-order batters were dismissed for single-digit scores, leaving the side in serious trouble at 21/4 after just four overs of the powerplay. The middle order was under immediate pressure to rebuild from a position that could easily have resulted in a below-par total.
Ratnayake then joined captain Sahan Arachchige in the middle and the pair transformed the innings entirely. The two batters put on a 93-run partnership for the 6th wicket off only 46 balls, a stand that shifted the momentum decisively in Sri Lanka's favour. Ratnayake's contribution to that partnership was a knock of 65 off 32 balls, which included 7 fours and 5 sixes. His aggressive strokeplay allowed Sri Lanka to recover from the depths of 21/4 and reach a competitive total of 165/9, a score that ultimately proved more than sufficient.
How did Sri Lanka's bowlers restrict Bangladesh in the chase?
Bangladesh's reply began disastrously. Their top three batters were all dismissed for ducks, leaving the side without any foundation at the top of the order and placing enormous pressure on the middle order from the very first over. There was no recovery from that position.
Ratnayake carried his impact directly into the bowling phase, picking up 2 wickets for 18 runs to complement his earlier batting display. Thushara was equally effective, matching Ratnayake's figures of 2 wickets for 18 runs and ensuring Bangladesh had no avenue back into the contest. The entire Bangladesh innings folded for 102 in 17.3 overs, with Nasum Ahmed's 26 runs standing as the highest individual contribution. The 63-run margin of defeat was comprehensive and confirmed Sri Lanka's bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket competition.
