Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka star as Sri Lanka complete sweep
The pair first powered Sri Lanka to an imposing total before Shanaka's 3 for 27 derailed Bangladesh's chase
The pair first powered Sri Lanka to an imposing total before Shanaka's 3 for 27 derailed Bangladesh's chase
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: Shashank Kishore
That was a fabulous presentation ceremony. Frank quotes from Tamim, heartfelt gratitude from Karunaratne, pure, raw emotions from Kulasekara and relief from Angelo Mathews. Hope you enjoyed our coverage. There's lots more to follow on ESPNcricinfo, as always. Hope to see you back when New Zealand square off against Sri Lanka with the first Test beginning August 14. Before that, we'll have India playing West Indies in Florida this weekend. Do join us then. For now, this is Shashank Kishore saying goodbye on behalf of my colleague Hemant Brar. Many thanks again, cheers. Be well
Dimuth Karunaratne comes forward to collect the trophy. Remember, this is Sri Lanka's first ODI series win at home in 44 months. "After the World Cup, the older players wanted to do well. Even the youngsters did really well, some of them got chances and did a good job, hope they keep up the good work." he says. "We wanted to stick to the basics. The bowlers kept taking wickets, batsmen who got off to starts capitalised. We don't need to worry about fancy things, just do the basics. I'm still learning with the captaincy, have many more things to learn. The seniors and juniors are supporting me. All of us are keen to win matches, they have the hunger. Hopefully we'll do well with the New Zealand tour as well. We have to switch on, after the white ball to the red-ball cricket. It's part of the Test championship. All the boys are ready, they're all in a good mindset. I would like to thank Bangladesh Cricket Board for coming here and giving us a chance to play a lovely series. Also want to thank New Zealand for coming next month, and also the supporters for turning up. We'd like to see them come back. Thank you very much."
Angelo Mathews is the Player of the Match for his 87. He is also the Player of the Series. Walks away with a scooter as well as a swanky bike. Nice. "Want to thank Kula for his wonderful services, he's been a silent hero for Sri Lanka for many, many years," he says. "I wanted to do what I'm capable of. In the middle period, when the fielders were out, had to run a lot. Scraped my way through for the team. The wickets we played on were slow, when boundaries are big and wickets slow, you have to hit the gaps, run hard. My approach will be to try and be positive, depending on the wickets. Each and every player has to go through these pressures, senior players go through it. That's what we're trained for. Use your experience to get over it, trust your ability. You should never doubt yourself. We've had a disappointing 12-16 months, but fortunately the boys turned up really well against a strong Bangladesh line-up. Hopefully we can start from now, and looking forward to the New Zealand series."
Nuwan Kulasekara has been given the mic. He's a bit emotional, but from whatever little I can guess of the sinhala, he speaks of the role his family has played. Points to Lasith Malinga, who is having a laugh with the Bangladesh players. His wife and kids are standing besides him as he speaks to the fans. He pulls his sons into the frame too. The Sri Lankan players are listening intently. He thanks his parents. He's thanking Marvan Atapattu ayya among others - physios, trainers and coaches. He also says a big thank you to Champaka Ramanayake, currently bowling consultant of Bangladesh. The crowd gives him a massive roar as he walks back. Ramanayake embraces him in a big hug as he's presented with his autographed jersey number 92, which is framed quite nicely. All smiles as the cameramen click away.
Tamim Iqbal: Tajul Islam was a real positive, the way he bowled in the last two games was somethings we needed. There are a lot of negatives, starting from myself to the team. We have to hold it tight and come back strong. From day one I've been saying responsibility is key. I've played for 12 years, others have also played for a long-long time. Disappointing that we aren't taking responsibility when the team needs us. We need to think and come back strong. I just let myself down, starting from the World Cup. It's not that I didn't try. I tried my best, probably I wasn't good enough. I need to go back, reflect, work on my weaknesses and come back strong.
Nuwan Kulasekara gets a guard of honour from his Sri Lankan team mates. Smiles all around. His family is out on the field with him, as are his wife and kids. Percy, Sri Lanka's Super Fan, gives him a big hug as he joins the presentation party.
Dasun Shanaka: I worked hard after getting dropped from the side. I was confident with my batting, helped me perform well. We're all relieved as a team because we performed together.
9.25pm Four years after they last lifted an ODI series at home, Sri Lanka will lay their hands on the cup again. They have been utterly dominant in their quest for a reboot post the World Cup disappointment. Bangladesh, who finished that tournament eighth - many felt they didn't deserve to be there - have played very poorly and the results speak for themselves. As such, the series had little context. This was a great chance for their batsmen to emerge from Shakib's shadows, but that wasn't to be.
If Sri Lanka sent off Lasith Malinga in style in the first ODI, they will now say thank you to Nuwan Kulasekara, who finishes with 199 wickets. He would've loved to say goodbye on the field, but he can still walk away a proud man. He was watching every minute of the chase from the stands with Lasith Malinga, and will now get his time under the spotlight for a farewell speech. The presentation is coming up very shortly.
Rubel Hossain run out 2 (6b 0x4 0x6) SR: 33.33
The search for a new bowling spearhead following Lasith Malinga's retirement, however, could make the team sweat
The pair first powered Sri Lanka to an imposing total before Shanaka's 3 for 27 derailed Bangladesh's chase
The Bangladesh opener, who has hit a major dip in form, has turned to the former national team coach for help
As for Sri Lanka, a win here will grow their confidence ahead of the Test series against New Zealand