Bangladesh Clinches Historic T20I Series Win Over Sri Lanka in Colombo

On July 16, 2025, Bangladesh secured a landmark victory in the 3rd T20I at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, defeating Sri Lanka by 8 wickets to claim their first-ever T20I series win against the hosts, 2-1. The series decider, played under lights, showcased Bangladesh’s resurgence, driven by a stellar bowling performance from Mahedi Hasan and an explosive unbeaten 73 from Tanzid Hasan. This triumph marked a significant milestone for a young Bangladeshi side, boosting their confidence ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka, spanning June 17 to July 16, 2025, included two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. While Sri Lanka dominated the Test and ODI series, Bangladesh fought back in the T20I leg, leveling the series 1-1 with an 83-run thrashing in the second T20I at Dambulla. The third T20I at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium was the decider, with both teams vying for supremacy in a high-stakes encounter.

Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that later drew scrutiny as 9 out of the last 10 T20Is at the venue were won by the chasing side. The pitch, known for favoring spin and offering an average first-innings score of 125 in night games, played a significant role in the match dynamics.

Sri Lanka’s batting lineup struggled from the outset, losing Kusal Mendis for 6 in the first over to Shoriful Islam, caught by Towhid Hridoy at deep square leg. The early breakthrough set the tone for Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack. Mahedi Hasan, returning to the T20I side after missing the previous four matches, delivered a career-best performance, finishing with figures of 4 for 11 in four overs, including a wicket-maiden.

Mahedi’s spell was devastating, ripping through Sri Lanka’s middle order. He dismissed Dinesh Chandimal (caught at point after surviving two dropped catches), Charith Asalanka (bowled by a turning delivery), and Pathum Nissanka (caught and bowled for 46), leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 66 for 5 in the 11th over. His ability to exploit the spin-friendly pitch was pivotal, as he noted post-match: “I know the wickets in Sri Lanka, the ball was spinning… I stuck to my lines and lengths.”

Despite the collapse, Dasun Shanaka provided late resistance with an unbeaten 35, including a 22-run onslaught in the final over off Shoriful Islam (1 for 50). Sri Lanka finished at 132 for 7 in 20 overs, a total that seemed challenging but ultimately insufficient. Posts on X reflected optimism from the Sri Lankan camp, with @OfficialSLC calling it a “vital knock” from Shanaka, but Bangladesh’s bowlers ensured the target remained within reach.

Chasing 133, Bangladesh lost Parvez Hossain Emon to the first ball, dismissed by Nuwan Thushara. However, Tanzid Hasan, alongside captain Litton Das, steadied the innings with a 74-run partnership. After Litton’s dismissal, Tanzid continued his aggressive approach, forming a 59-run stand with Towhid Hridoy (27*). Tanzid’s unbeaten 73 off 47 balls, featuring six sixes and a strike rate of 155.32, was the cornerstone of the chase.

Tanzid’s assault on Sri Lanka’s spinners, including Maheesh Theekshana and Kamindu Mendis, was relentless. A dropped catch by Theekshana on 60 failed to halt his momentum, and he smashed a fifth six to reach his fifth T20I fifty. Hridoy sealed the victory with a six and a single off Theekshana in the 17th over, completing the chase in just 16.3 overs with 8 wickets in hand. The Bangladesh dugout erupted in celebration, with Litton Das later describing the win as “a big achievement for Bangladesh cricket.”

Key Performances and Turning Points

• Mahedi Hasan (Bangladesh): Earned Player of the Match honors for his 4 for 11, dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting with precise spin bowling. His dismissal of Asalanka and Nissanka were game-changing moments.
• Tanzid Hasan (Bangladesh): His unbeaten 73, including six sixes, ensured a smooth chase, showcasing his ability to dominate spin on a turning track.
• Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka): His 35* off 24 balls, with a last-over cameo, gave Sri Lanka a fighting total, but it wasn’t enough.
• Litton Das (Bangladesh): The captain’s 114 runs across the series at a strike rate of 131.03 earned him the Player of the Series award. His leadership and batting contributions were crucial.

The turning point came in the 11th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, with Mahedi’s triple strike leaving them at 66 for 5. Bangladesh’s measured chase, led by Tanzid’s fearless strokeplay, ensured Sri Lanka’s spinners—despite their reputation—couldn’t turn the game.

Post-Match Reactions and Impact

Bangladesh’s victory was historic, marking their first T20I series win in Sri Lanka and only their second time overturning a 1-0 deficit in a three-match T20I series (previously against West Indies in 2018). Litton Das hailed the team’s resilience, stating, “We didn’t play well in the first T20I, but we played really well in the next two games.” The win was a morale booster for a young squad transitioning after the retirement of stalwarts like Shakib Al Hasan.

Sri Lanka, despite the loss, showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. Charith Asalanka admitted post-match, “We misread the pitch… we like to defend at Premadasa, but it didn’t work out.” The defeat highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in adapting to pitch conditions, as they prepare for a white-ball series in Zimbabwe starting August 29, 2025.

Bangladesh returns home to host Pakistan for a three-match T20I series starting July 20, 2025, with renewed confidence. Sri Lanka, reflecting on missed opportunities, will look to regroup for their upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. Both teams are gearing up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with Sri Lanka hosting part of the tournament, making this series a valuable learning experience.

Bangladesh’s 8-wicket triumph in the 3rd T20I on July 16, 2025, at R. Premadasa Stadium was a testament to their growing prowess in T20 cricket. Mahedi Hasan’s bowling masterclass and Tanzid Hasan’s explosive batting outshone a spirited Sri Lankan side, securing a historic series win. As Bangladesh celebrates this milestone, both teams will take valuable lessons into their future campaigns, promising more thrilling cricket in the subcontinent.