Asian Games 2026: Sri Lanka Stage Stunning Fightback From 21/4 To Crush Bangladesh By 63 Runs & Clinch Men’s Cricket Bronze Medal

Sri Lanka staged a remarkable comeback in the men's cricket event at the Asian Games 2026, defeating Bangladesh by 63 runs and securing the bronze medal. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Sri Lanka found themselves struggling early on, losing 21 wickets for just 4 runs in the first five overs against Bangladesh's spinners.

However, the tide turned when Sahan Arachchige and Ashen Bandara steadied the innings. Tharindu Ratnayake then played a pivotal role by scoring 65 runs off just 32 balls, including seven fours and five sixes, which helped Sri Lanka recover from a precarious position of 51/4. Arachchige added 33 runs off 37 balls, contributing crucially in the middle overs.

Ratnayake's aggressive batting, featuring a brisk 50 off 26 balls, saw him hit five sixes, turning the match around. Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 165/9 in their 20 overs. Bangladesh's chase, however, fell apart quickly. Nuwan Thushara took the early wickets of Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim, reducing Bangladesh to 18/4 by the end of the fourth over.

Despite brief resistance from Towhid Hridoy, Ratnayake continued his impact, dismissing Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Litton Das, and eventually finishing with 2/18. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Wanuja Sahan restricted Bangladesh further with spin. Nasum Ahmed was the highest scorer for Bangladesh with 26 runs off 28 balls. Sri Lanka's bronze medal brings their total to three medals at the Asian Games, joining Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage's javelin gold and the women's cricket team's silver.