Mahedi's four-wicket haul and Tanzid's fifty led Bangladesh to their first series victory over Sri Lanka
Mahedi's four-wicket haul and Tanzid's fifty led Bangladesh to their first series victory over Sri Lanka
Bangladesh clinched the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka after a stunning eight-wicket victory in Colombo, after losing the Test & ODI series.
Bangladesh wrapped up a memorable 2–1 series win over Sri Lanka i, with career-best performances from Mahedi Hasan and Tanzid Hasan leading the way in the final T20I in Colombo. After being crushed in the opening game at Pallekele, the visitors made a strong comeback in Dambulla and then sealed the decider with a dominant eight-wicket victory. Remarkably, this was only the second time Bangladesh had overturned a 0–1 deficit to clinch a three-match T20I series the first being against West Indies back in 2018.
Mahedi Hasan, returning to the side after missing Bangladesh’s last four T20Is, delivered a remarkable bowling display that changed the course of the match. He picked up 4 for 11, not allowing Sri Lanka any breathing room as wickets continued to tumble. His breakthrough came early, removing Kusal Perera for a duck and then trapping Dinesh Chandimal and captain Charith Asalanka in quick succession. The delivery to Asalanka one that turned just enough to hit the off-stump was arguably the ball of the match, highlighting Mahedi’s control and skill under pressure.
Sri Lanka’s innings struggled to find rhythm, and by the time Mahedi had finished his spell, the hosts were reeling at 66 for 5 in the 11th over. Pathum Nissanka had been their only batter to offer resistance with a steady 46, but even he fell to a simple caught-and-bowled off Mahedi. The only spark came in the final over, courtesy of Dasun Shanaka, who launched a late assault against Shoriful Islam. Shanaka smashed two fours and two massive sixes one clearing the stadium to lift Sri Lanka to 132 for 7. Without that last-over blast, their total might have been far less intimidating.
Chasing 133, Bangladesh stumbled early when Nuwan Thushara trapped Parvez Hossain Emon lbw with the first ball of the innings. But Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan didn’t let the setback derail their plans. Litton played a fluent supporting role with a 26-ball 32, while Tanzid stole the show with a match-winning 73 off just 47 balls. His knock was peppered with six stunning sixes each executed with calm confidence and clean timing. From lofted strokes over extra cover to slog sweeps and straight hits, Tanzid’s shot selection had Sri Lanka scrambling.
Their 74-run stand for the second wicket kept Bangladesh well ahead of the required rate, and even after Litton’s dismissal, Tanzid remained composed. He reached his fifth T20I half-century with a tickled boundary and continued to target the loose deliveries. Sri Lanka’s fielding only made things easier for him Maheesh Theekshana dropped a straightforward chance when Tanzid was on 60, and multiple misfields added pressure to the hosts.
Towhid Hridoy added a finishing touch with a six of his own before knocking off the final run in the 17th over. Tanzid’s animated celebration told the story this was a win built on belief, fight, and teamwork. While the home crowd at Khettarama fell silent, Bangladesh walked away with a landmark victory that showcased their growing confidence in the T20 format.