Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh by 63 runs to clinch Asian Games cricket bronze

Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh by 63 runs to clinch Asian Games cricket bronze

Tharindu Ratnayake produced a counter-attacking half-century to drag Sri Lanka out of trouble before their bowlers finished the job, as the islanders beat Bangladesh by 63 runs to win the Asian Games cricket bronze medal on Saturday.

Sri Lanka recovered from a precarious 54 for five in the 11th over to post 165 for nine at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, then bowled Bangladesh out for 102 to seal third place. Bangladesh finished fourth in the competition.

Ratnayake’s rescue act seals the Asian Games cricket bronze

Sri Lanka were in deep trouble when Ratnayake took guard, with half the side back in the pavilion and the innings stalling. What followed was one of the knocks of the tournament. Ratnayake smashed 65 off just 35 balls, striking seven fours and five sixes, and added 93 runs off 44 balls with Sahan Arachchige to haul Sri Lanka to a competitive total.

The partnership changed the shape of the afternoon. Bangladesh’s bowlers, who had controlled the first half of the innings, suddenly found themselves under pressure as Ratnayake cleared the ropes at will. Sri Lanka closed on 165 for nine, a total that looked well beyond them an hour earlier.

Ratnayake was not finished. With the ball he took two for 18, capping a fine all-round display on the day his side needed it most.

Bangladesh’s chase falls apart

Bangladesh’s reply began in disastrous fashion. Saif Hasan, Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das all fell for ducks as the Tigers slumped to four for three in the third over, and they never recovered.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the wickets around. Thushara finished with two for 18, Viyaskanth took two for 26 and Wanuja Sahan claimed two for 17 as Bangladesh were dismissed for 102, 63 runs short of their target.

It was a disappointing end to the tournament for Bangladesh, who had reached the semi-finals before losing to Pakistan in a rain-affected contest.

Bronze decided on the morning of the final

The third-place playoff was staged on the morning of the gold-medal match between India and Pakistan, the first meeting between the arch-rivals in men’s cricket at the Asian Games.

For Sri Lanka, the bronze is a reward for a fighting tournament built on resilience. For Bangladesh, the fourth-place finish will sting after a campaign that promised more.

FAQs

Who won the bronze medal in Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket?

Sri Lanka won the bronze medal, beating Bangladesh by 63 runs in the third-place playoff at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on October 3, 2026.

What was Tharindu Ratnayake’s score in the bronze playoff?

Ratnayake scored 65 off 35 balls with seven fours and five sixes, rescuing Sri Lanka from 54 for five. He also took two for 18 with the ball.

How did Bangladesh lose the bronze playoff?

Bangladesh collapsed to four for three in the third over of their chase, with three ducks at the top of the order, and were bowled out for 102 chasing 166.