Bangladesh pulled off a sensational 16-run win over Sri Lanka in Colombo, leveling the ODI series 1-1, thanks to a career-best five-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam. Despite Kusal Mendis smashing a record-breaking 20-ball fifty and Janith Liyanage’s valiant 78, Sri Lanka’s middle-order collapse handed Bangladesh a dramatic victory. Here’s how it all unfolded in a high-octane clash.
Tanvir’s Spin Magic, Kusal’s Blazing Fifty, and Sri Lanka’s Collapse: Bangladesh Level Series in Colombo Thriller
Bangladesh bounced back in the ODI series with a thrilling 16-run win over Sri Lanka in Colombo, propelled by a game-changing five-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam and vital contributions from the middle and lower order. Sri Lanka, chasing 249, collapsed from a promising start despite Kusal Mendis’ record-breaking 20-ball fifty, the fastest in men’s ODIs at this venue and fourth-fastest by a Sri Lankan batter.
Sri Lanka’s run chase unraveled between overs 10 and 30, where they lost five wickets for just 57 runs off 122 balls. Although Janith Liyanage fought valiantly with a 78 off 85, the task proved too tall for the lower order. Mustafizur Rahman sealed the win for Bangladesh by removing Liyanage with a cunning slower delivery, leaving the hosts 16 runs short with just one wicket remaining.
Earlier, Bangladesh posted 248 in 45.4 overs. Key contributions came from opener Parvez Hossain Emon, who struck a gritty 67, and Towhid Hridoy, who built a steady 51. The best partnership, a 63-run stand between Emon and Najmul Hossain Shanto set the tone early. Despite falling to consistent breakthroughs from Asitha Fernando (4/35), Wanindu Hasaranga (3/60), and Dushmantha Chameera, Bangladesh kept the scoreboard moving.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s unbeaten 33 off 21 balls in the death overs, including two towering sixes off Hasaranga, proved decisive. While Bangladesh never stitched together a mammoth partnership, contributions across the board gave them a defendable total.
Tanvir Islam’s day began inauspiciously, with Kusal Mendis dispatching him for three boundaries and a six in his first two overs. But captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz backed him and was rewarded. Tanvir took the key wicket of Nishan Madushka in the 10th over, drawing an aerial edge to backward point.
From there, Tanvir turned the match. He trapped Kusal Mendis lbw originally given not out but overturned on review—as the batter misread a delivery sliding into the front pad. The very next over, he had Kamindu Mendis chipping tamely to midwicket. He capped off his spell by removing Dunith Wellalage bat-pad in his final over, finishing with an outstanding 5 for 39.
Meanwhile, Shamim Hossain and Mehidy applied pressure in the middle overs. Shamim’s spell was particularly tidy 1 for 22 in 9 overs claiming the wicket of in-form Charith Asalanka while giving away almost nothing.
Liyanage tried to counter-attack with the tail, blasting two late sixes to energize the crowd at Khettarama. But with 21 runs required off the last 17 balls, Mustafizur’s slower ball ended Sri Lanka’s hopes. Though Dushmantha Chameera held his end, the last pair couldn’t pull off the miracle.
In the Bangladesh innings, Tanzid Hasan fell early, edging a slower ball from Asitha in the third over. But Emon counterattacked, especially exploiting leg-side angles, and hammered three sixes two of them over deep midwicket. His 67 came with authority, dominating the early exchanges.
Towhid Hridoy played a more cautious innings, managing his 51 with a strike rate of 73. Though most of his scoring came square of the wicket, he held the innings together after Emon’s departure. Shamim and Jaker Ali chipped in with handy 20s, helping Bangladesh maintain momentum.
In the end, it was Sakib’s late burst that gave Bangladesh the edge. After the Tigers were bowled out in the 46th over, it was up to their bowlers and Tanvir delivered when it mattered most.
The win levels the three-match ODI series at 1-1, setting up a thrilling decider in Pallekele on Tuesday.
