Bangladesh’s dream of winning a gold medal at the Asian Games ended without a podium finish as the men’s cricket team suffered a 63-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the bronze-medal match.

Sri Lanka, fielding a relatively inexperienced side, posted 165 for nine in their allotted 20 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat. In reply, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 102 in 17.2 overs.

Bangladesh made a strong start with the ball, reducing Sri Lanka to 54 for five. However, Tharindu Ratnayake and captain Sahan Arachchige revived the innings with a crucial 93-run partnership.

Ratnayake smashed 65 off just 32 balls, hitting seven fours and five sixes, while Arachchige contributed 33 as Sri Lanka recovered to post a competitive total of 165.

Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Saif Hassan and Mustafizur Rahman claimed two wickets each for Bangladesh, while Aliss Al Islam and Rishad Hossain took one apiece.

Bangladesh’s chase got off to a disastrous start, with none of their first three batters managing to score. Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and captain Litton Kumar Das were all dismissed for ducks, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 4 for three.

The early collapse proved too costly, as Bangladesh never recovered. Nasum Ahmed top-scored with 26, while Parvez Hossain Emon made 22 and Yasir Ali added 21.

Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Sri Lanka a convincing 63-run victory and leaving Litton Das and his teammates without a medal at the Asian Games.