Bangladesh levels series with thrilling win

Sports Desk

After a batting collapse led to a heavy defeat in the first ODI, Bangladesh bounced back impressively in the second match. In a tense and thrilling encounter, Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s side defeated Sri Lanka by 16 runs to level the three-match series 1-1.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Bangladesh had a shaky start but managed to post 248 runs in their allotted 50 overs, losing all wickets. Debutant Parvez Hossain Emon scored 13, while Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Towhid Hridoy played key roles in building the innings. A late cameo from Tanzim Hasan Sakib added valuable runs, giving Bangladesh a fighting total. For Sri Lanka, pacer Asitha Fernando took 4 wickets for 35 runs, and spinner Wanindu Hasaranga picked up 3 for 60.

In reply, Sri Lanka started aggressively. Despite losing opener Pathum Nissanka early, Kusal Mendis and Nishan Madushka accelerated the scoring. Mendis reached his fifty in just 20 balls and scored a blistering 56 off 31. At one stage, Sri Lanka were cruising at 75 for 1.

However, left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam changed the course of the match in the eighth over. He dismissed Madushka (17) and then trapped the dangerous Kusal Mendis lbw.

Shamim Hossain, brought into the side, also surprised with his part-time spin, removing Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka. Tanvir Islam struck again, claiming the wickets of Kamindu Mendis (33) and Dunith Wellalage, further destabilizing Sri Lanka’s batting.

While wickets kept falling, Janith Liyanage fought on with a brilliant half-century. His 24-run partnership with Wanindu Hasaranga offered some hope, but Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke the stand by dismissing Hasaranga.

Eventually, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 232 in 48.5 overs. Tanvir Islam was Bangladesh’s standout performer, taking 5 wickets for 33 runs in 10 overs.

The third and final ODI of the series will be held on July 8 in Pallekele.