Tanvir Islam’s Five-Wicket Haul Powers Bangladesh to Series-Levelling Win Over Sri Lanka

Colombo — A stunning five-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam helped Bangladesh claw their way back into the ODI series with a hard-fought 16-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium (Khettarama).

Defending a modest total of 248, Bangladesh turned the match on its head during the middle overs as Tanvir Islam tore through Sri Lanka’s batting order, grabbing 5 for 38. His spell proved decisive in halting the hosts’ charge after a fiery start led by Kusal Mendis, who smashed a blistering 56 off 31 balls, including the fastest ODI fifty at the venue (20 balls).

Despite Mendis’ heroics and a valiant 78 off 85 balls from Janith Liyanage, Sri Lanka fell short, bowled out for 232 in the 48th over.

Bangladesh’s Gritty Batting Effort

Earlier, after being put in to bat, Bangladesh posted 248 all out in 45.2 overs. Their innings was built around fighting half-centuries from Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy, with a late flourish from Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who scored a quickfire 33 off 21 balls*.

Sri Lanka’s pace spearhead Asitha Fernando impressed with 4 for 35 in nine overs, helping restrict Bangladesh before they could fully capitalize in the final overs.

Tanvir’s Redemption and Impact

Tanvir Islam had an expensive start, conceding 22 runs in his first two overs as Mendis launched an early assault. However, skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz showed faith, persisting with the spinner — and it paid off handsomely.

Tanvir dismissed Nishan Madushka in the 10th over, triggering a collapse. His spell included the scalps of the dangerous Mendis (lbw on review), Kamindu Mendis, and Dunith Wellalage, systematically dismantling Sri Lanka’s middle order.

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Support from Bangladesh’s Spinners

The spin trio of Tanvir, Mehidy, and Shamim Hossain kept the scoring in check. Shamim was particularly economical, conceding just 22 runs in 9 overs and claiming the wicket of in-form Charith Asalanka.

Late Drama but Bangladesh Hold Nerve

Liyanage fought valiantly with the tail, launching big hits to bring the target within reach, including two sixes in the death overs. But with 21 needed off 17 balls, Mustafizur Rahman deceived him with a well-disguised slower delivery to complete a sharp caught-and-bowled.

Despite Dushmantha Chameera’s resilience, the task proved too tall for the final pair, and Bangladesh sealed the win to level the three-match series 1-1.

Series Decider Ahead

The two sides will now head into the third and final ODI with the series on the line. Bangladesh’s strong spin performance will give them confidence, while Sri Lanka will be left to rue their middle-order collapse.

Match Summary:

• Bangladesh: 248 all out (45.2 overs)
  Parvez Hossain Emon 55, Towhid Hridoy 52, Asitha Fernando 4/35

• Sri Lanka: 232 all out (47.1 overs)
  Janith Liyanage 78, Kusal Mendis 56, Tanvir Islam 5/38

• Result: Bangladesh won by 16 runs

• Player of the Match: Tanvir Islam