Tanvir Islam claimed a crucial five-wicket haul to steer Bangladesh to a thrilling 16-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI, levelling the series after a heavy defeat in the opening match.
The spinner sealed his milestone in the 39th over when his delivery edged off Mahesh Theekshana’s bat to a simple catch at mid-wicket by substitute fielder Rishad Hossain.
Making his one-day international debut in the first match, Tanvir impressed further by delivering a match-winning performance in just his second outing. His bowling heroics were instrumental as Mehedi Hasan Miraz’s side bounced back with a 16-run victory to square the series.
Chasing 239, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 175, despite solid knocks from Janith Liyanage (78 off 85 balls) and Kusal Mendis (56). After losing Pathum Nissanka early, Mendis’s determined innings kept Sri Lanka competitive, reaching his half-century off just 20 balls. However, following his dismissal, the innings lost momentum.
Liyanage, showing great resilience, scored a patient half-century off 75 balls and added a valuable 58-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Dushmantha Chameera, keeping hopes alive. However, Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Liyanage shortly after a six, and Sakib bowled Chameera to end Sri Lanka’s innings at 232.
Tanvir’s relentless bowling was the backbone of Bangladesh’s effort, beginning with early wickets including opener Nishan Madushka. He followed by dismissing Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, and Mahesh Theekshana. He finished with five wickets for 39 runs, including two maidens.
Other contributors with the ball were Tanzim Hasan Sakib with two wickets, and one each for Miraz, Mustafizur, and Shamim Hossain.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Bangladesh’s innings began poorly with Tanzid Hasan Tamim falling cheaply for 7 in the third over, edging a slower ball from Astha Fernando to the keeper. Parvez Hossain Emon and Najmul Hossain Shanto attempted to rebuild with a cautious start, but Emon accelerated towards the end of the powerplay.
Their partnership was broken by Asalanka, who caught Theekshana at mid-wicket off a short delivery. Theekshana, despite settling in, was dismissed for 14. Emon went on to score a fighting half-century off 46 balls but was dismissed for 67 runs, hitting three sixes and six fours.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz failed to make an impact with the bat, caught off a pull shot by Nissanka for 9 runs, continuing a poor run of form. Shamim Hossain, who replaced Litton Das, made 22 before falling to a short delivery caught by Liyanage.
Following Shamim’s dismissal, Jaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy tried to stabilise the innings with a partnership. However, Jaker was dismissed for 24, caught LBW after misreading a knuckle ball from Astha Fernando. Hridoy scored a valiant 51 but was run out due to a mix-up with Tanzim.
Tanzim’s late cameo of 33 not out, including two sixes and two fours, was not enough to push Bangladesh past 249.