Tharindu Ratnayake Stars as Sri Lanka Secure Asian Games Bronze Medal

Ratnayake rescued Sri Lanka with a blistering 65 off 32 balls before returning to take two crucial wickets as Bangladesh were bowled out for just 102 in 17.3 overs.

Known primarily for his ambidextrous bowling, Ratnayake produced a spectacular display with the bat, smashing seven fours and five sixes. His aggressive innings came at a crucial stage after Sri Lanka's top order had collapsed to 21 for 4 inside four overs.

Captain Sahan Arachchige provided stability at one end, first adding 33 runs with Ashen Bandara before joining forces with Ratnayake. The pair transformed Sri Lanka's innings with a rapid 93-run sixth-wicket partnership from just 46 balls.

Ratnayake immediately shifted the momentum, beginning his assault with a switch-hit six against Saif Hassan. He then targeted Mustafizur Rahman, taking 25 runs from the pacer's first over, including two fours and a six, along with seven wides and two no-balls.

Rishad Hossain also came under pressure, conceding 16 runs in an over that included a reverse-hit six from Ratnayake. The Sri Lankan batter brought up his half-century from just 26 balls and continued his attack until his dismissal.

Sri Lanka scored 64 runs in the final five overs, recovering impressively from their early collapse to post a competitive total.

Bangladesh Collapse Under Pressure

Sri Lanka carried their momentum into the bowling innings. Nuwan Thushara struck early, dismissing Saif Hassan after a disciplined opening over.

Ratnayake then made an impact with the ball, removing Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy. Litton Das was also dismissed by Thushara's yorker as Bangladesh struggled to build a partnership.

Bangladesh briefly threatened to recover, but Sri Lanka's spinners quickly regained control.

Vijayakanth Viyaskanth dismissed Parvez Hossain Emon for 22 before Mahedi Hasan was trapped lbw on the following delivery. Wanuja Sahan then removed Rishad Hossain and Yasir Ali in quick succession, leaving Bangladesh in deeper trouble.

Nasum Ahmed fought back with a late 26, but his resistance ended when captain Arachchige took his wicket in the 18th over.

Bangladesh were eventually dismissed for 102 in 17.3 overs, handing Sri Lanka a comprehensive 63-run victory and the bronze medal.

For Sri Lanka, Ratnayake's explosive batting and timely bowling proved decisive, turning a difficult start into a memorable podium finish at the Asian Games.