Nissanka Ton Helps Sri Lanka Level Bangladesh Series

Opener Pathum Nissanka struck 114 off 113 balls to steer Sri Lanka to a three-wicket victory over Bangladesh and level their three-match ODI series in Chittagong on Friday.

Pathum Nissanka (Image Source: Google)

All-rounder Hasaranga menaced Bangladesh's middle order after Sri Lanka opted to field first, with the hosts held to 286-7 despite a charging unbeaten 96 from number four Towhid Hridoy.

Hridoy narrowly missed a century but finished on a flourish with successive sixes off the final two balls.

"He played very well. That's what we want from him. Really happy for him," Najmul said afterwards.

Hridoy, who was dropped on six by Kusal Mendis, made three fours and five sixes in his knock.

Bangladeshi opener Liton was sent back in the first over for his second straight duck of the series, but Soumya Sarkar scored 68 and skipper Najmul with 40 steadied the innings with a 75-run partnership.

Najmul, who hit an unbeaten century in Bangladesh's opening match victory, survived despite nicking Pramod Madushan behind the stumps when Sri Lanka failed to appeal.

He was sent back by Dilshan Madushanka while Sarkar fell to Hasaranga after botching a reverse sweep.

"On a wicket like this, me and Soumya should have batted longer," Najmul said.

"We will be looking forward to the next match and hope we do something special."

Hasaranga bowled Mahmudullah Riyad for a duck two balls later and then trapped heavy-hitter Mushfiqur Rahim leg before for 25 and bowled Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 12.

The series decider will be played in Chittagong on Monday before a two-Test series starting in Sylhet on March 22.