Bangladesh bounced back in style to level the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka with a thrilling 16-run victory in Colombo on Saturday. Tanvir Islam delivered a career-best performance, taking his maiden five-wicket haul and breaking Sri Lanka’s middle order just when they seemed to be cruising in the chase.
Batting first, Bangladesh were bowled out for 248 in the 46th over, with opener Parvez Hossain Emon scoring his first ODI fifty. Emon smashed 67 runs off 69 balls, hitting three sixes and six fours. Towhid Hridoy chipped in with a steady 51, while quick runs came from Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Jaker Ali, and Shamim Hossain to lift the total.
Sri Lanka began their chase shakily, losing Pathum Nissanka early for 5. However, Kusal Mendis brought energy with a blistering 56 off just 31 deliveries. His 20-ball fifty was the fastest ever at R. Premadasa Stadium, but Tanvir Islam soon struck twice to remove Mendis and Nishan Madushka, turning the game in Bangladesh’s favour.
From 75-2, Sri Lanka suddenly crumbled to 132-6 by the 30th over, as Tanvir and Mustafizur Rahman applied pressure. Although Janith Liyanage fought back with a gritty 78 and added a 58-run stand with Dushmantha Chameera, Bangladesh held their nerve during the final overs.
Liyanage briefly threatened to steal the game with a six off Mustafizur, but the next ball—a clever slower one—ended his innings. Tanvir finished with stunning figures of 5-39, sealing the win and his status as the match-winner.
With the series now level at 1-1, both teams head to Pallekele on Tuesday for the series decider. Bangladesh will look to carry this momentum forward, while Sri Lanka must regroup quickly to protect home ground advantage.