The series is all tied up after Bangladesh pulled off a 16-run victory over Sri Lanka. This match was Sri Lanka’s to lose.
They got off to a blistering start thanks to Kusal Mendis, but then their whole chase fell apart. The man who broke them? Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam, who took five wickets and completely flipped the script.
Bangladesh had earlier managed a modest 248 after losing wickets at regular intervals. Parvez Hossain Emon made 67, while Towhid Hridoy added 51. A late 33 not out from Tanzim Hasan Sakib gave the total some depth. But it was far from dominant.
Sri Lanka seemed set for a smoother chase when Mendis blasted a 20-ball fifty, the fastest ODI half-century ever recorded at this venue. He eventually fell for 56 off 31. Still, the platform looked strong.
Then the collapse began.
Middle-Order Collapse Halts Sri Lanka’s Chase
From overs 10 to 30, Sri Lanka lost five wickets for just 57 runs. Tanvir, after conceding 22 in his first two overs, found his rhythm. He dismissed Nishan Madushka first, drawing a mis-hit that was caught at backward point.
His biggest moment came when he trapped Mendis lbw. The appeal was turned down on the field, but Bangladesh reviewed and got it overturned.
Kamindu Mendis followed, chipping tamely to midwicket. Dunith Wellalage was caught off bat-pad later in Tanvir’s final over. In between, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shamim Hossain applied steady pressure. Shamim’s economy stood out—just 22 runs in nine overs along with the wicket of Charith Asalanka.
Liyanage Fights Back, But Too Late
Janith Liyanage tried to drag Sri Lanka back. His 78 off 85 balls included two late sixes that gave the home crowd hope.
At one point, 21 runs were needed from 17 balls. But Mustafizur Rahman bowled a clever slower delivery that Liyanage mistimed. Caught and bowled.
The last pair couldn’t close the gap.
Bangladesh’s Inning: Small Contributions Add Up
The visitors lost opener Tanzid Hasan early, but Emon’s attacking 67 kept the scoreboard ticking. He hit three sixes and scored the majority of his runs on the leg side.
Hridoy took his time but anchored the middle overs. His partnership with Emon was the best of the innings, worth 63 runs.
Shamim and Jaker Ali chipped in with small scores. But Sakib’s unbeaten 33 off 21 at No. 8 stood out. His two sixes off Hasaranga proved valuable. Bangladesh were all out in the 46th over, but they had enough.
Asitha Fernando took 4 for 35 and Hasaranga finished with 3 for 60. Both were key to wrapping up Bangladesh quickly, but they didn’t get the same support from their batters.
Series Now Tied at 1–1
The final ODI is set for Tuesday in Pallekele, with both teams having shown flashes of brilliance and weakness. It’s anyone’s game.
