Bangladesh bounced back in emphatic style to level the three-match T20I series with a thumping 83-run win over Sri Lanka in the second game held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.
After being outplayed in the opening match, the Tigers delivered a dominant all-round performance to outclass the hosts in every department, setting up a tantalising decider in Colombo on July 16.
Batting first, Bangladesh posted 177 for 7, riding on a fluent 76 off 50 balls from opener Litton Das, who ended his T20I half-century drought in style. Despite early setbacks, Litton anchored the innings brilliantly, smashing five sixes and sharing key partnerships with Towhid Hridoy (21) and Shamim Hossain, who added a blistering 48 off 27 balls before being run out in the final over.
The Tigers recovered from 39 for 2 inside the powerplay to post a competitive total thanks to Litton’s class and Shamim’s late fireworks.
In reply, Sri Lanka crumbled under pressure, bowled out for a paltry 93 in just 15.2 overs. Shoriful Islam rocked the top order with 2 for 12, including the prized scalps of Avishka Fernando and Kusal Perera, while Rishad Hossain starred in the middle overs with a miserly spell of 3 for 18.
The hosts never found momentum after losing Kusal Mendis to a direct hit early on. Despite a steady 32 from Pathum Nissanka, the rest of the batting collapsed, with captain Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka falling without causing much damage. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mohammad Saifuddin chipped in with wickets as the Bangladeshi bowlers maintained relentless pressure.
The win marks a strong comeback for Bangladesh, who were thoroughly outplayed in the first match. With momentum now even, all eyes turn to the third and final T20I in Colombo, where the series will be decided.
LND/SAE
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