Shamim Hossain, the dynamic Bangladesh all-rounder, has exuded palpable confidence in his side's ability to secure a historic series victory against hosts Sri Lanka. His declaration comes in the wake of Bangladesh's commanding performance in the second T20 International yesterday, a result that emphatically levelled the three-match T20I series at 1-1 in Dambulla.
Bangladesh orchestrated a remarkable turnaround following their seven-wicket defeat in the series opener. Their comprehensive all-round display saw them crush Sri Lanka by a significant 83 runs, a victory that has clearly injected a much-needed surge of belief and momentum into the squad. The series now culminates in a decisive third match in Colombo on July 16th, where the Tigers will aim to make a rare statement on foreign soil.
"First of all, winning the match is the most satisfying thing," a jubilant Shamim told reporters during the post-match press conference, his voice reflecting the team's collective relief and renewed determination. "Now that the series is tied, this win was very important for us. We now have the opportunity to win the series. If we continue to play well, I believe we can achieve that." His words are a testament to the shift in mindset within the camp, a stark departure from the recent period of struggles.
The foundation for Bangladesh's imposing total of 177-7 was meticulously laid by skipper Litton Das, who struck a pivotal 76 off 50 balls, providing the much-needed anchor. Shamim then delivered the crucial acceleration, unleashing a quick-fire 48 off just 27 deliveries, laden with five fours and a couple of towering sixes. His aggressive hitting transformed Bangladesh's innings, propelling them from a somewhat modest 80-4 after 12 overs to a formidable score of 97 runs in the final eight overs, a burst that ultimately proved insurmountable for Sri Lanka.
However, Shamim's influence on the match extended far beyond his batting heroics. His electric fielding proved equally instrumental in dismantling the Sri Lankan chase. A pinpoint direct throw accounted for the in-form Kusal Mendis (eight) in only the second over, a pivotal moment that significantly shifted momentum in Bangladesh's favour. He followed this up with a sharp, athletic catch on the boundary to dismiss Avishka Fernando, leaving the hosts reeling at three wickets down for just 25 runs inside five overs. These early blows, largely orchestrated by Shamim's athleticism, set the tone for the Sri Lankan collapse.
The bowlers then completed the job with clinical precision, offering the Sri Lankan batsmen hardly any chance to stage a fightback. They systematically dismissed the hosts for a mere 94 runs in 15.2 overs, securing Bangladesh's second-biggest win by runs in this format.
"Litton batted brilliantly," Shamim acknowledged, praising his captain's resilience. "It was a turning point in the game. A good start is crucial in T20s, and his innings allowed us to finish strongly."
Shamim also offered a tactical insight into the seemingly cautious approach adopted during the middle overs, particularly during the partnership between Litton and Towhid Hridoy. "Sometimes, you have to slow things down," he explained. "At that stage, we needed a stable partnership. We had power hitters lined up, so preserving wickets was key. That stand between Litton and Hridoy played a vital role." This explanation suggests a calculated strategy rather than a mere lack of intent, highlighting a growing tactical awareness within the squad.
Bangladesh will now look to harness this newfound winning momentum and carry it into the final T20I in Colombo. The opportunity to seal a rare away series win against Sri Lanka is a prospect that would undoubtedly mark a significant turning point for the side, offering a much-needed boost in confidence and a strong foundation for future challenges.
