Historic First! Bangladesh Clinch Maiden T20I Series Win Over Sri Lanka in Colombo
Colombo, July 16 (The Trending People): Bangladesh created history on Tuesday as they clinched their first-ever T20I series win over Sri Lanka, sealing the decider with a commanding 8-wicket victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Powered by a sensational all-round performance, Bangladesh chased down a modest target of 133 runs with ease, wrapping up the match in just 16.3 overs and taking the three-match series 2-1.
Mahedi Hasan Spins a Web
The hero of the first innings was off-spinner Mahedi Hasan, who turned the game in Bangladesh’s favour with a career-best spell of 4/11. On a slow Colombo surface, Mahedi's guile and control proved too much for Sri Lanka’s middle order, which crumbled after an already shaky start.
After early wickets fell, Pathum Nissanka tried to anchor the innings with a composed 46 off 39 balls. However, with little support from the other end and Mahedi running riot, Sri Lanka were left reeling at 94 for 6 by the 15th over.
Skipper Dasun Shanaka provided a late flourish, hammering 35 off 25 balls*, including 22 runs in the final over, lifting Sri Lanka to 132/7 in 20 overs. But it was far from a competitive total.
Tanzid Hasan Lights Up the Chase
Bangladesh had a nervy start to their chase, losing Parvez Hossain Emon to the first ball of the innings. But that setback barely caused a dent as Tanzid Hasan Tamim produced a match-winning knock full of flair and dominance.
The left-hander smashed an unbeaten 73 off just 47 balls, laced with six sixes, as he took on both pace and spin with confidence.
He was ably supported by Litton Das (32 off 22 balls), and together they built a quickfire partnership that left Sri Lanka’s bowlers looking helpless. After Litton’s dismissal in the ninth over, Towhid Hridoy joined Tanzid and the duo finished off the chase with an unbeaten 59-run partnership, ensuring the visitors got over the line with 21 balls to spare.
A Bitter End for Sri Lanka
After winning the opening match of the series, Sri Lanka failed to maintain momentum. Their inability to build or defend totals in the final two games cost them the series on home soil.
Their bowling lacked bite after the first-ball breakthrough, with neither the pacers nor spinners able to contain Bangladesh’s aggression. The fielding was also below par, and Sri Lanka paid the price for letting slip early advantages.
Bangladesh’s T20I Milestone
This landmark win marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s cricketing journey, especially in the shortest format where they’ve often been seen as underdogs away from home.
With young stars like Tanzid rising and bowlers like Mahedi delivering under pressure, Bangladesh’s T20 future looks promising.