Colombo, July 5, 2025 – Bangladesh roared back into contention in the three-match ODI series, defeating Sri Lanka by 16 runs in a gripping second One-Day International (ODI) at R. Premadasa Stadium. With this spirited victory, Bangladesh have now squared the ODI series 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all final in Pallekele on July 8.
Bangladesh posted 248 in their innings after being asked to bat first. Their top order showed much-improved resilience with Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy registering valuable half-centuries. However, the visitors stumbled in the final phase, collapsing from 204/5 to 218/9. A crucial last-wicket partnership of 30 runs between Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman gave Bangladesh a fighting total, which ultimately proved match-winning.
Sri Lanka began their chase aggressively, racing to 75/1 within the first 10 overs. However, Bangladesh struck back after the dismissal of Nishan Madushka. Despite a gritty effort by Janith Liyanage, who added 58 runs for the ninth wicket with Chameera, Sri Lanka fell short in their pursuit. The final blow was delivered in the 48th over, sealing a memorable ODI win for Bangladesh.
Tanvir Islam was the standout performer and deservingly named Player of the Match for his exceptional figures of 5/39. Through a translator, Tanvir shared that it was his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs and praised the captain for giving him confidence to bowl freely. He emphasized that sticking to tight lines and maintaining focus made the difference.
Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz expressed satisfaction with his team’s fightback, stating that he always believed 248 was a defendable total, especially given how difficult chasing 240 was in the first ODI. He lauded his young squad for showing character under pressure and hopes to carry the momentum into the final ODI.
On the other hand, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka admitted the batting unit let them down. He dismissed pitch excuses, noting that despite a decent start, the middle order failed to capitalize after losing key wickets including Kusal Mendis and Madushka.
This victory marks only the fifth ODI win for Bangladesh on Sri Lankan soil, making it a significant morale booster after a seven-match losing streak. All eyes now turn to the series decider in Pallekele, where both sides will battle for supremacy in what promises to be a nail-biting final ODI clash.