Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 3rd T20I, Nidahas Trophy 2018: 5 Talking Points 

#4 The two Kusals and Tharanga help Sri Lanka post 214

Tharanga and Perera helped Sri Lanka finish with a flourish

Kusal Perera’s injury was a blessing in disguise for Mendis. The 23-year old right-hander started the year with a couple of superb knocks at the top of the order. He scored 53 and 70 in the two-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

And when Perera returned, Mendis continued to open as the left-hander was pushed to No. 3.

Mendis who had failed in the opening game against India, gave a good account of himself as he gave Sri Lanka a rocking start.

He scored 57 in just 30 deliveries (two fours and five sixes) as he set the base for a big score.

Fresh of a Man of the Match performance from the last game, Kusal Perera continued his rich vein of form as he helped Sri Lanka post a huge score of 214.

The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman scored 74 in 48 balls. His knock included eight fours and two sixes. He first shared a crucial 85-run partnership with Mendis for the second wicket and then added 55 along with Tharanga for the fifth wicket.

After Sri Lanka had a mini-collapse (where they lost three wickets in the span of 10 balls), Tharanga joined Perera. Despite losing key players, the duo continued the momentum and built on the brilliant platform and helped the hosts finish with a flourish. Tharanga remained unbeaten with a 15-ball 32.