Tanvir magic cause Sri Lanka collapse
Bangladesh bounced back from their 77-run defeat in the opening match to level the three-match ODI series 1-1 with a hard-fought 16-run victory over Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday. Despite Janith Liyanage’s valiant effort in the final stages, the hosts fell short in their pursuit of 249, setting up a decisive encounter at Pallekele on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka’s pursuit of Bangladesh’s 248 began in spectacular fashion. Kusal Mendis produced a venue-record fastest fifty off just 20 balls, surpassing Thisara Perera’s previous record of 50 off 23 balls against England in 2014. However, what started as a promising chase ultimately crumbled under pressure, leaving the hosts disappointed despite moments of individual brilliance.
Tanvir Islam celebrates his five-wicket haul while his team mates look on - Pix by Jayamal Chandrasiri
A dejected Janith Liyanage walks back to the pavilion after top scoring with 78, as Sri Lanka's ninth wicket
The innings got off to a shaky start when Tanzim Hasan Sakib removed Pathum Nissanka for just five runs. But Mendis and opener Nishan Madushka quickly restored order, launching a devastating counter-attack that yielded 69 runs for the second wicket. Their aggressive stroke-play had Bangladesh’s bowlers scrambling for answers as boundaries flowed freely.
At 75 for 2 after 10 overs, Sri Lanka appeared well-positioned with the target looking increasingly manageable. However, the complexion of the chase changed dramatically when Madushka fell while attempting an ambitious inside-out shot over cover off Tanvir Islam, only to slice the ball to point instead.
The shift came when Bangladesh struck twice in quick succession, removing both Mendis and Charith Asalanka—who had scored a century in the previous match. This double blow left Sri Lanka reeling at 99 for 4 in the 19th over, transforming a comfortable chase into a desperate struggle.
Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage attempted to rebuild the innings, but while the latter remained firm at one end, wickets continued to tumble at the other. The mounting pressure and climbing required run rate made the target increasingly elusive.
Liyanage scored his fifth ODI half century with a determined 78 off 85 balls, crucially sharing a 58-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Dushmantha Chameera that brought Sri Lanka tantalizingly close to their target. His resolute knock rekindled hope among the home supporters, but his dismissal in the 48th over extinguished any remaining chances of a successful chase.
Spinner Tanvir Islam, playing only his second ODI, emerged as the match winner with career-best figures of 5 for 39. His victims included Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, and Maheesh Theekshana.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s batting display began with genuine promise but ultimately collapsed under pressure, resulting in a total of 248 all out. While the score initially appeared modest, it proved competitive enough to secure victory.
Sri Lankan ICC International Panel umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge officiated his 100th One Day International at the R. Premadasa ICS. He was felicitated by Sri Lanka Cricket prior to the second ODI between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
Opener Parvez Hossain Emon anchored Bangladesh’s innings with an accomplished 67, crafting his knock with skill and patience. His 69-ball innings featured six boundaries and three sixes, showcasing the aggressive approach required on what appeared to be a batsman-friendly surface. Towhid Hridoy provided valuable support with a well-constructed 51, adding crucial substance during the middle overs.
The early signs were encouraging for Bangladesh, who reached 100 runs in the 16th over while losing only two wickets. Emon appeared settled and confident, displaying positive intent that could have propelled Bangladesh to a formidable total. His partnerships with the top order created the foundation the Tigers desperately needed.
However, Bangladesh’s middle order failed to capitalise on this solid groundwork. Wickets began falling as batsmen struggled to build on the momentum generated by Emon and Hridoy’s contributions.
The collapse was primarily orchestrated by seamer Asitha Fernando and spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who exploited Bangladesh’s vulnerability under pressure. Fernando’s exceptional four-wicket haul demonstrated his skill and precision, consistently troubling the Bangladesh batsmen with intelligent variations and accurate line and length.
Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga proved equally effective, claiming three vital wickets including that of top-scorer, Emon. The spin wizard’s googly proved particularly lethal, foxing Emon and crashing into the stumps. With Hridoy still at the crease and four wickets remaining, Bangladesh seemed positioned to reach a competitive total, but his run-out at 212 effectively ended their hopes.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib provided some late fireworks with a quickfire 33 off 21 balls, but the regular fall of wickets meant Bangladesh never recovered sufficiently to provide the aggressive finishing touch that could have elevated them to a more challenging total.
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