Bangladesh pulled off a spirited 16-run win over Sri Lanka in the second ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday, levelling the three-match series 1-1 and setting up a decider in Pallekele on July 8.
Tanvir Islam, the left-arm spinner, bagged his maiden five-for in just his second ODI to guide the Tigers to a gritty win.
After being bowled out for 248 in 45.5 overs, Bangladesh produced a disciplined bowling effort, led by left-arm spinner Tanvir.
Despite a fighting 78 from Sri Lankan middle-order batter Janith Liyanage, the hosts were bowled out for 232 in the 49th over. Janith took Sri Lanka close a win, but his dismissal to Mustafizur Rahman ended Sri Lanka’s hope.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh made a solid start despite losing Tanzid Hasan Tamim early.
Young left-hander Parvez Hossain Emon struck a fluent 67 off 69 balls, his maiden ODI fifty.
He built a 63-run partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto after the early dismissal of Tanzid. Towhid Hridoy added 51 and looked set for a bigger score before being run out.
Bangladesh’s middle and lower-order contributions remained modest until a late cameo from Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who struck 33 not out off just 21 balls.
Asitha Fernando was the best bowler for the hosts, taking 4 for 35, while Wanindu Hasaranga grabbed 3 for 60.
In reply, Sri Lanka raced to 75 within 10 overs, riding on a blistering knock from Kusal Mendis, who smashed 56 off 31 balls.
But Bangladesh wrested control through Tanvir’s double breakthrough, removing Mendis and Kamindu Mendis. The wickets kept tumbling, and Sri Lanka were reduced to 170 for 8.
However, Janith kept the hosts alive with a gritty innings. He added 58 runs with Dushmantha Chameera for the ninth wicket and looked dangerous until Tanzim returned to dismiss Chameera in the penultimate over.
When Sri Lanka needed 27 off the last 18 balls, Janith smashed Mustafizur for a six. But off the next ball, he sent Mustafizur a return catch, and Bangladesh eventually won the match in the next over.
Tanzim took the last wicket after a missed catch. He bowled Dushmantha Chameera for 13 off 29 balls.
The next match on July 8 has now become a series decider.