Dambulla: Bangladesh roared back in emphatic fashion to level the three-match T20 International series, after consigning Sri Lanka to a record-83-run defeat in the second match at Dambulla International Cricket Stadium today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the 83-run victory against Sri Lanka is their largest ever against a Test playing nation, surpassing the previous record of an 80-run victory over West Indies in 2024. Their largest victory to date remains an 84-run win against Papua New Guinea in 2021.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack was in top form as they wrapped up Sri Lanka for just 94 runs in 15.2 overs after setting a challenging 178-run target. Legspinner Rishad Hossain led the charge with a career-best performance of 3-18 in 3.2 overs, scripting a much-needed victory during a challenging period for Bangladesh cricket.
Captain Liton Das played a pivotal role, scoring a scintillating 76 off 50 balls to help Bangladesh post a respectable 177-7. This total proved to be formidable on the Dambulla wicket. Previously, Bangladesh suffered a seven-wicket defeat in their first match, making this a crucial ‘do or die’ contest.
Shamim Patwari contributed significantly with 48 runs off 26 balls, while Towhid Hridoy added 31 runs, supporting Liton in setting a strong target for Sri Lanka after a shaky start that saw Bangladesh at seven for two in just two overs.
Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando troubled the Bangladesh top order early, with Fernando registering his career-best 3-31. However, Liton and Hridoy stabilized the innings with a 69-run partnership for the third wicket.
Despite the pressure, Bangladesh counterattacked effectively, with Liton reaching his 12th T20 fifty. Patwari continued the momentum, although he fell just short of a half-century, getting run out in the last over.
Sri Lanka’s chase faltered from the start, as Kusal Mendis, who had been instrumental in their first-game victory, was run out for 8. Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 32, but his efforts were insufficient as Sri Lanka’s batting lineup crumbled.
Shoriful Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin delivered crucial spells, with Islam taking 2-12 and Saifuddin 2-21, dismantling Sri Lanka’s top and middle order. Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed the wicket of Dasun Shanaka, who was one of the few Sri Lankan batsmen to reach double digits.
The series-deciding third game is set to take place on Wednesday in Colombo.