In a performance that defied their recent struggles, Bangladesh delivered a truly comprehensive display on Sunday, clinching a record 83-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 International. This emphatic win, which levels the three-match series at 1-1, provides the Tigers with a crucial injection of confidence and, more importantly, a golden opportunity to secure a rare series triumph on Sri Lankan soil on Wednesday.
After suffering a rather meek seven-wicket defeat in the series opener in Pallekele on Thursday, the Tigers orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Defending a competitive total of 177-7, they systematically dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order, folding the hosts for a mere 94 runs in just 15.2 overs. Apart from a lingering concern at the top of the order, Bangladesh, for perhaps the first time in a considerable while across formats, truly 'ticked all the boxes' – a very rare occurrence that speaks volumes about their collective effort.
Captain Litton Das had been under immense pressure leading into this fixture, not only for his own underwhelming batting form but also for the team's alarming string of T20I losses, having overseen six defeats in his last seven matches since officially taking the captaincy. However, yesterday, Litton delivered an impactful knock, a vital 76 off 50 balls. He anchored the innings, forging two crucial partnerships: a 69-run stand with Towhid Hridoy (31 off 25 balls) and a blistering 77-run alliance with Shamim Hossain (48 off 27 balls). While fortune undoubtedly favoured him with a missed stumping on 30 and a dropped catch on 56, his planned approach, excellent strike rotation, and ability to find boundaries (five sixes and one four) deserve significant plaudits. His innings provided much-needed stability after Bangladesh found themselves two down for just seven runs.
If Litton's knock laid the foundation, it was Shamim Hossain's blazing innings that provided the explosive finish. The flashy left-hander, with five fours and a couple of sixes, transformed Bangladesh's total. From 80-4 after 12 overs, his aggressive hitting propelled them to score 97 runs in the final eight overs, reaching a competitive total that ultimately proved insurmountable for Sri Lanka. Shamim's impact wasn't limited to his batting; his electric fielding, particularly the direct hit run-out to dismiss the in-form Kusal Mendis (eight) in the second over of Sri Lanka's chase, was a pivotal moment.
From there, Bangladesh's bowlers took centre stage. Pacers Shoriful Islam (2-12), Mohammad Saifuddin (2-21), and Mustafizur Rahman (1-14) systematically dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain also played a crucial role, striking twice in the 11th over to break the vital 41-run fifth-wicket partnership between Pathum Nissanka (32) and Dasun Shanaka (20), effectively sealing the match's fate. Rishad then wrapped up the contest by dismissing Binura Fernando, finishing with impressive figures of 3-18.
"Credit goes to Shamim, the way he batted, it was amazing… That run-out by Shamim to remove Kusal Mendis was very important," a relieved Litton, who was deservedly named player-of-the-match, remarked in the post-match presentation.
The fate of the series will now be decided on Wednesday in Colombo. For now, Bangladesh can breathe a collective sigh of relief, having ended their losing streak and notched up their second-largest victory by runs in T20Is. This is precisely the kind of performance that can galvanise a team. The Tigers must now carry this momentum, this newfound clinical edge, into the decider. This is a golden opportunity to secure a rare series win away from home, and they must seize it with both hands.
