In a nail-biting contest, Bangladesh, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, defeated Sri Lanka by 16 runs in the second ODI to level the three-match series 1-1. The match, held on Saturday at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, saw Bangladesh clinch a hard-fought victory in dramatic fashion.
Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage nearly took the game away with a gritty innings, holding one end and inching closer to the target. However, in the 48th over, Mustafizur Rahman dismissed him with a return catch, extinguishing Sri Lanka’s hopes.
Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam was the hero with the ball for Bangladesh. In only his second ODI, he delivered a stunning performance, claiming 5 wickets. He was well supported by young pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who gave Bangladesh their first breakthrough by trapping Pathum Nissanka lbw early in the innings.
Though Sri Lanka built pressure with a quick 69-run stand off 45 balls between Kusal Mendis and Nishan Madushka, Tanvir brought Bangladesh back into the game by removing both batters in his spell. He continued his dominance by dismissing Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Wellalage, dismantling the Sri Lankan middle order.
Wellalage’s 78-run effort kept Sri Lanka alive until the final overs, but Mustafizur’s clever bowling ensured his downfall. Tanzim Sakib then wrapped things up by bowling Dushmantha Chameera, as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 232 in 48.5 overs.
Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat, putting up 248 all out. While Tamim (7) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (14) fell cheaply, opener Parvez Hossain Emon played a brilliant knock of 67 runs, bringing up his half-century in just 46 balls.
Towhid Hridoy contributed a valuable 51, while Jaker Ali added 24 to stabilize the innings. In the closing stages, Tanzim Sakib displayed excellent composure and aggressive intent, remaining unbeaten on 33 off 21 balls. Alongside Mustafizur, he added a crucial 30 runs for the last wicket, boosting Bangladesh to a competitive total.
With the series now level at 1-1, the third and final ODI will be a winner-takes-all clash on Tuesday. Buoyed by this thrilling victory, the Tigers will look to maintain their momentum and clinch the series with another all-round performance.
Also Read: Rishad Hossain Returns to Bangladesh Squad for 2nd ODI vs Sri Lanka
FAQ
1. How did Bangladesh level the ODI series against Sri Lanka?
Answer: Bangladesh won the second ODI by 16 runs in a tense finish. A brilliant bowling performance, especially from Tanvir Islam (5 wickets) and Mustafizur Rahman (crucial final breakthrough), helped defend a total of 248 runs, leveling the series 1-1.
2. Who were the key performers for Bangladesh in the second ODI?
Answer:
Tanvir Islam – Took 5 wickets in just his second ODI.
Parvez Hossain Emon – Scored a quick 67 to give Bangladesh a solid start.
Towhid Hridoy – Contributed a valuable 51 runs.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib – Played a key role with both bat (33*) and ball (2 wickets).
Mustafizur Rahman – Claimed the crucial wicket of Wellalage at the death.
3. When and where will the series-deciding 3rd ODI be played?
Answer: The third and final ODI of the series will be played on Tuesday at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The match will decide the winner of the three-match series.