Bangladesh Holds Nerve to Level ODI Series
If you thought ODI cricket had lost its edge, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka just put on a show in Colombo that says otherwise. Bangladesh bounced back from a shaky series opener, beating Sri Lanka by 16 runs in a match that swung like a pendulum until the very last few overs. With the three-match series now tied 1-1, all eyes turn to Pallekele for the decider.
The visitors set the tone early. Openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy got things rolling, each reaching a measured half-century. Emon’s aggressive 67 off 77 balls kept the scoreboard ticking, while Hridoy’s 51 showed patience under pressure. But as the middle order faltered and wickets tumbled, Bangladesh failed to fully cash in on their solid start. They were bowled out for 248 in just under 46 overs, with Sri Lanka’s bowlers—especially the spinners—finding their way back after a tough opening spell.
- Parvez Hossain Emon: 67 (77 balls)
- Towhid Hridoy: 51 (60 balls)
- Bangladesh all out for 248 in 45.5 overs
At the halfway mark, that total looked vulnerable, especially with the Premadasa wicket flattening out a bit under lights. Sri Lanka’s reply saw their own middle order fight back after early wobbles. Ace batter Kusal Mendis played a steady hand with 56, but it was Janith Liyanage who stole the spotlight for the hosts, cracking a calm yet authoritative 78. For a while, he looked set to take the match away from Bangladesh.
But just when Sri Lanka seemed in control, up stepped Tanvir Islam. The left-arm spinner snapped up three wickets in a whirlwind second spell, derailing any hopes Sri Lanka had of an easy finish. His final figures—5 wickets for 39 runs—earned him more than just bragging rights. Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with two more scalps, making sure the pressure never eased.
- Tanvir Islam: 5/39 (10 overs)
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib: 2 wickets
- Sri Lanka all out for 232 in 48.5 overs
The collapse left the Colombo crowd stunned. From cruising at 170/4, Sri Lanka fell apart against disciplined bowling and left their tailenders stranded with 17 balls still to be bowled. Bangladesh’s celebrated fielding, often the undercurrent in tight wins, once again played its part with a couple of key run-outs and sharp boundary saves.
Series Decider Beckons in Pallekele
With both teams grabbing a win each, the series is perfectly poised. Neither side has dominated; every game has been a scrap. For Bangladesh, Tanvir’s five-wicket haul is the highlight. For Sri Lanka, the task is clear—they need more from their top order and a way to handle spin under pressure.
The stage is set for the deciding ODI on July 8 at Pallekele’s International Stadium. Fans expect fireworks with the momentum swinging back and forth. Bangladesh, grasping at their chance for a rare away series win, will feel buoyed. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back in front of their home crowd.
One thing’s for sure: after a match like this, picking a favorite for the final is anyone’s guess. Series like these? They’re the reason cricket fans stay glued to the screen.
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