In a high-stakes 2nd ODI at R Premadasa Stadium, Bangladesh scripted history by registering their first-ever ODI win in Colombo, defeating Sri Lanka by 16 runs to level the series 1-1. Batting first, they posted a competitive total of 248 on a two-paced surface, thanks to contributions from Parvez Emon, Towhid Hridoy and a fiery cameo from Tanzim Sakib. In reply, Sri Lanka’s innings saw flashes of brilliance especially from Kusal Mendis and Janith Liyanage but Tanvir Islam’s magical spell proved decisive. His five-wicket haul dismantled the hosts at critical intervals and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Bangladesh post competitive 248 despite wobbles in middle order
After winning the toss, Bangladesh’s openers got off to a cautious but steady start. While Tanzid Hasan fell early, Emon launched a crisp counterattack with a 67-run knock that included six boundaries and three sixes. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan couldn’t convert their starts, but the real anchor turned out to be Hridoy, who constructed a mature 51 from 69 balls.
The middle order wobbled post-Emon’s dismissal, as Sri Lanka’s spinners briefly applied pressure. However, Jaker Ali and especially Sakib reignited the innings in the death overs. Sakib’s whirlwind 33* off 21, including two sixes, lifted Bangladesh from 213/9 to a respectable 248. Asitha Fernando impressed with 4 wickets, but Sri Lanka’s bowling at the death lacked control. Bangladesh’s total was slightly under-par on paper, but on a sluggish Colombo surface with signs of grip and turn, it was always going to be challenging. Their batting innings was a mix of bursts and collapses, but enough to put pressure on the home side.
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Sri Lanka falter despite Janith Liyanage’s lone stand as Tanvir Islam spins a web
Chasing 249, Sri Lanka suffered an immediate blow with Pathum Nissanka falling LBW in the second over. While Mendis counterattacked with a scintillating 56 off just 31 balls hammering nine fours and a six his dismissal to Tanvir Islam triggered a collapse. From 75/1, they slipped to 132/6, with Tanvir ripping through the middle order by removing Dilshan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage. Captain Charith Asalanka‘s brief stay added little stability, and the run-rate pressure mounted.
Liyanage, however, stood tall amidst the ruins, mixing caution with aggression in a mature 78-run knock. He revived hopes with a 50-run ninth-wicket stand with Dushmanta Chameera, but once he fell in the 48th over, Sri Lanka’s chase crumbled. Tanvir finished with a match-winning 5/39 his best in ODIs while Sakib and Shamim Hossain supported him with crucial breakthroughs. The Lankan innings showed promise in phases but lacked depth and composure under pressure. Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling and Tanvir’s brilliance ensured their narrow but memorable win.
Bangladesh Strike Back in Style! 🐯🔥
A historic first-ever ODI win in Colombo for Bangladesh!
Despite a spirited fightback from Sri Lanka, the Tigers held their nerve and sealed a memorable victory to level the series 1-1. 👊
Momentum now firmly with Bangladesh heading into… pic.twitter.com/GpZ8466iRD
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 5, 2025
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