Sri Lanka claimed a convincing 99-run win against Bangladesh in the third and final ODI at Pallekele on Tuesday, bagging the three-match series 2-1 with a brilliant all-round performance. Bangladesh, faced with a challenging target of 286, struggled under pressure and were bowled out for a paltry 186 inside 40 overs, permitting Sri Lanka to show their bowling strength and end the game with ease. This victory over Bangladesh marks a significant turnaround for Sri Lanka in the 50-over format after their disappointing World Cup campaign in India two years ago, where they finished ninth and didn’t qualify for this year’s Champions Trophy. Since that setback, Sri Lanka has won seven out of nine ODI series, including notable wins against cricket powerhouses Australia and India. “This is probably one of our best games,” Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka remarked. “We were under pressure and wanted to win badly, and Kusal Mendis was superb today. Scoring 285 gave us confidence, making the bowlers’ job easier.” The key cricketer in the series-deciding victory over Bangladesh was indeed Mendis, who answered his critics with 124 runs off 114 deliveries, his sixth ODI hundred. The wicketkeeper-batter faced scrutiny after his rash dismissal in Sri Lanka’s 16-run loss in the second ODI in Colombo. However, at Pallekele, with the series at stake, Mendis anchored the innings and rebuilt it with a mature knock featuring 18 fours. Coming in during the fourth over, Mendis formed a crucial 124-run stand for the fourth wicket with skipper Asalanka, setting the foundation for a competitive total. “I’m very pleased with my performance today. I was disappointed with my outing in Colombo. I got a start but couldn’t finish,” said Mendis, who was named man of the match and player of the series. “Today, I was determined to bat through the innings and am very satisfied.” At one point, the hosts seemed poised for a 300-plus total, but Bangladesh fought back with tight death bowling to restrict them to 285/7. The target proved too challenging once the tourists’ top order collapsed. Dushmantha Chameera, returning after more than a year out because of injury, was formidable with the new ball. The right-arm quick bowled in-form Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) with a ball that jagged back to hit the top of off stump. Towhid Hridoy offered some resistance with a fifty, but Chameera returned to breach his defense with another sharp in-swinging ball. Chameera finished with 3/51 and was well-supported by Asitha Fernando, who claimed three wickets as well. The sides will now compete in a three-match T20I series beginning Thursday, at Pallekele as well. “We started well and tried to bat positively, but the scoreboard pressure affected us,” Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said. “We are rebuilding the team with many young players… there are many positives.” (With AFP Inputs)