Bangladesh produced a commanding all-round display to thrash Sri Lanka by 83 runs in the second T20I at Dambulla on Sunday, squaring the three-match series 1-1 and setting up a mouth-watering decider.
After a captain’s knock of 76 from Litton Das laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s total of 177/7, their bowlers delivered a ruthless performance to bundle out Sri Lanka for a paltry 94 in just 15.2 overs.
We were undone by our bad batting and good fielding from Bangladesh. We also didn’t field well. Right now, we are in the same situation we were in the ODIs.
Only two Sri Lankan batters managed double figures: opener Pathum Nissanka, who struck 32 from 29 balls, and Dasun Shanaka, who briefly resisted with 20 off 16. But with wickets falling regularly, the hosts never looked in the contest.
Rishad Hossain spearheaded Bangladesh’s attack with superb figures of 3-18, while Shoriful Islam (2-12) and Mohammad Saifuddin (2-21) made vital breakthroughs. Mustafizur Rahman (1-13) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (1-26) kept the pressure on, as Sri Lanka collapsed in less than 16 overs.
Earlier, Bangladesh had been rocked by the early losses of Tanzid Hasan (5) and Parvez Hossain Emon (0), but Litton Das steadied the innings with composure and clean hitting. He combined with Towhid Hridoy (31 off 25) in a 69-run stand for the third wicket that wrested back momentum.
After Hridoy fell, Litton found another valuable ally in Shamim Hossain. Together, they added 77 runs for the fifth wicket to propel Bangladesh to a competitive total. Litton’s innings, punctuated by one four and five sixes, ended when he was caught by Nuwan Thushara off Maheesh Theekshana for 76 from 50 balls.
Shamim nearly reached his own half-century, finishing on an enterprising 48 that proved crucial in pushing the score beyond Sri Lanka’s reach.
Awarded Player of the Match, Litton was quick to praise his teammates. “In the last couple of games, I’ve been trying to play good cricket, but it hasn’t quite happened,” he said. “Shamim’s batting was amazing. It’s a good pitch to bat on, but you need to take a bit of time because some bowlers get bounce. Whenever Rishad bowls well, we’re in a good place. The bowling and fielding were important today.”
Bangladesh will now look to carry this momentum into the final T20I, with everything to play for as both sides eye a series win.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 177/7 in 20 overs (Litton Das 76, Shamim Hossain 48, Towhid Hridoy 31; Binura Fernando 3-31) beat Sri Lanka 94 all out in 15.2 overs (Pathum Nissanka 32; Rishad Hossain 3-18, Shoriful Islam 2-12, Mohammad Saifuddin 2-21) by 83 runs.
