DAMBULLA (SNP Report): Bangladesh roared back in style to level the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, registering a commanding 83-run win in the second game at Dambulla on Sunday, their biggest T20I victory over the hosts and Sri Lanka’s lowest total at home in the format.
After a below-par outing in the series opener, the Tigers made three changes and delivered a clinical all-round performance. Batting first on a good surface, Bangladesh posted a strong total of 177 for 7, anchored by skipper Litton Das, whose sublime 76 off 50 balls earned him the Player of the Match award.
Litton, dropped twice on 30 and 56, made Sri Lanka pay dearly. He struck five sixes and a four, adding a vital 77-run stand with Shamim Hossain, who played a blazing hand of 48 off 27 balls, smashing five fours and two sixes to propel Bangladesh past 170. Sri Lanka’s only bright spot was left-arm seamer Binura Fernando, who claimed career-best figures of 3 for 31, but lacked support from the other end.
In reply, Sri Lanka crumbled under pressure, bowled out for just 94 in 15.2 overs, their lowest T20I total against Bangladesh and their heaviest defeat in the format by the Tigers. The collapse began early as Kusal Mendis, attempting a casual single, was run out brilliantly by Shamim. The top order folded inside the Power Play, slumping to 30-4, and never recovered.
Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain starred with the ball, picking up 3 for 18, while Shoriful Islam added 2 for 12 as Bangladesh’s bowling unit maintained relentless pressure. Only Pathum Nissanka (32) offered any resistance in an otherwise forgettable innings for the hosts, with just two batters reaching double figures. The packed crowd at Dambulla witnessed a dominant display by Bangladesh, setting up a thrilling series decider in Colombo on Wednesday.
SCORES IN BRIEF
BANGLADESH 177-7 (Litton 76, Shamim 48, Binura 3-31) beat SRI LANKA 94 (Nissanka 32, Rishad 3-18, Shoriful 2-12) by 83 runs.
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