In the opening one-day international in Colombo on Wednesday, Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 244 runs thanks to a fighting century from Charith Asalanka. A 60-run partnership with Kusal Mendis, who scored 45, and a 64-run partnership with Janith Liyanage were two of Asalanka’s pivotal stands.
It had been a terrible few years, following a disappointing performance that saw them finish ninth in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Sri Lanka missed out on qualifying for the Champions Trophy this year for the first time. However, compared to the previous year, things appear to be improving.
Although those titles were all won at home, they have won 10 of the 14 games they have played since August and have won series against Australia, New Zealand, India, and the West Indies.
Jayasuriya Praises Charith Asalanka’s Role In The National Team
Indeed, the rankings have never meant much, and the format is hardly played these days. The ODI men’s team’s move up the rankings from No. 9 in the middle of last year to fourth today, however, is a sign that they are improving, according to Sri Lanka coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Additionally, Jayasuriya would not have been able to succeed without Charith Asalanka’s leadership.
“Charith Asalanka has played a key role alongside me,” “What we have done is to give players confidence and get the best out of them. Players worked very hard and that hard work that we put in has enabled us to move forward. There were mistakes that they fixed.” Jayasuriya said ahead of the second ODI against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka had won the first match by 77 runs.