Introduction: A Milestone Moment for Bangladesh Cricket
In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Bangladesh clinched their first-ever T20I series victory against Sri Lanka, triumphing 2-1 in the decisive third T20I at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The star of the show was offspinner Mahedi Hasan, whose remarkable figures of 4 for 11 not only secured an eight-wicket win but also etched his name into the record books by surpassing a 13-year-old milestone set by Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh. This victory marked a significant achievement for Bangladesh, showcasing their growing prowess in the shortest format of the game and highlighting the leadership of captain Litton Das, who strategically backed Mahedi for this pivotal match.
Mahedi Hasan’s Record-Breaking Performance
Mahedi Hasan’s spell in the third T20I was nothing short of extraordinary. Opening the bowling for Bangladesh, the offspinner delivered a masterclass, finishing with figures of 4 for 11 in his four overs, including two crucial wickets in the powerplay. His victims included four of Sri Lanka’s top five batters: Kusal Perera, dismissed for a golden duck in the second over; Dinesh Chandimal, who mistimed a slog in the fifth; captain Charith Asalanka; and opener Pathum Nissanka, caught and bowled after scoring 46. This performance restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 132 for 7, setting the stage for Bangladesh’s comfortable chase.
Mahedi’s figures broke a long-standing record held by Harbhajan Singh, who had claimed 4 for 12 against England during the 2012 T20 World Cup at the same venue. While Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga had surpassed Harbhajan’s record with 4 for 9 in 2021, Mahedi’s haul became the best by a visiting bowler at the R Premadasa Stadium in T20I history. This achievement was particularly special as it came in Mahedi’s first match of the series, having missed the initial two T20Is and Bangladesh’s last five T20Is before this tour. His ability to step up and deliver under pressure underscored his value to the team and his knack for performing on challenging surfaces.
Litton Das’s Strategic Masterstroke
Bangladesh captain Litton Das played a pivotal role in orchestrating this victory, with his decision to include Mahedi in the lineup proving to be a masterstroke. Litton revealed that he had earmarked Mahedi for the third T20I as soon as he saw the tour schedule, confident that the offspinner’s skillset was perfectly suited to the Colombo pitch, known for assisting spinners. “We felt that Mahedi’s skills would be a perfect fit for the Colombo wicket,” Litton said post-match. “It doesn’t mean he doesn’t bowl well on other wickets. I had planned it as soon as I saw the schedule that Mahedi will be my first name in the line-up at this venue.”
This decision was not a slight against other spinners like Mehidy Hasan Miraz, whom Litton praised as a capable all-rounder. Instead, it reflected Litton’s deep understanding of the conditions and his ability to tailor his team selection to the demands of the pitch. On a bowling-friendly surface, Mahedi was the obvious choice, and his performance vindicated Litton’s faith. The captain’s strategic foresight, combined with Mahedi’s execution, turned the game in Bangladesh’s favor and set the tone for their series-clinching victory.
A Historic Series Win for Bangladesh
The eight-wicket win in the third T20I marked a historic milestone for Bangladesh, as it was their first T20I series triumph against Sri Lanka. This victory was only the second time Bangladesh had come back from a 1-0 deficit to win a three-match T20I series, highlighting their resilience and belief. Litton emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “It is a proud moment for me as a captain. I am happy that the fans are also happy seeing us win a T20I series in Sri Lanka. I always had the belief. I never had a shortage of belief in my ten years at this level.”
The series win was a testament to Bangladesh’s growing maturity in T20 cricket. Despite losing the first T20I, they bounced back with an 83-run victory in the second match, powered by Litton’s 76 off 50 balls, which included crucial partnerships with Towhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain. The third T20I saw opener Tanzid Hasan lead the chase with an unbeaten 73 off 47 balls, featuring six sixes, as Bangladesh chased down 133 with 21 balls to spare, losing just two wickets. This clinical performance underscored the team’s ability to execute their plans under pressure and capitalize on their opportunities.
Mahedi’s Mastery in the Powerplay
Mahedi Hasan’s impact in the powerplay was a key factor in Bangladesh’s dominance. His ability to strike early and disrupt Sri Lanka’s batting lineup set the tone for the match. Since January 2021, Mahedi has taken 30 wickets in the powerplay, the most by any spinner in T20Is during this period. His dismissals of Kusal Perera and Dinesh Chandimal in the first five overs put Sri Lanka on the back foot, and his later wickets of Asalanka and Nissanka ensured they could not recover. Mahedi’s precision and control, particularly on a pitch that offered grip and turn, made him a formidable force.
This performance was a continuation of Mahedi’s strong form in T20Is. Despite missing recent matches due to expensive spells against UAE and Pakistan in May, he had previously been named Player of the Series in Bangladesh’s 3-0 T20I series win in the West Indies in December. His return to the side in Colombo was a reminder of his potential and his ability to deliver when given the opportunity.
Litton Das’s Leadership and Batting Revival
Litton Das’s leadership was instrumental in Bangladesh’s success, but his contributions with the bat were equally significant. After a prolonged lean patch in white-ball cricket, Litton found form in the second T20I with a match-defining 76 off 50 balls. His knock included half-century stands with Hridoy and Shamim, stabilizing the innings and setting up Bangladesh’s commanding victory. In the third T20I, Litton chipped in with 32, helping the team recover from an early setback and maintain momentum in the chase.
Reflecting on his form, Litton admitted that a hunger to score runs had driven him to seize the opportunity. “I think hunger was a factor, I wasn’t scoring runs for a long time,” he said. “I was looking for an opportunity to grab. It was a plus point in the second T20I. I think winning changes the face of the team.” Litton’s dedication to training and his relentless work ethic off the field were evident in his performances, and he credited a bit of luck and hard work for his return to form.
Addressing Bangladesh’s Batting Challenges
While the T20I series win was a high point, Litton acknowledged that Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka had its challenges, particularly in the batting department. The team suffered collapses in the second T20I (94 all out), the third ODI (186 all out), and the first ODI (167 all out), which exposed vulnerabilities in their batting lineup. Litton called for greater responsibility from the batters, emphasizing the need for someone to play a big knock on good batting surfaces. “We didn’t play bad cricket in all the formats. It looks different as we had some batting collapses,” he said. “All the batters fell for 30-35 runs in the second Test, which had a good batting track. Someone had to play a big knock.”
Litton urged his batting unit to be more focused and make better shot selections to avoid such collapses in the future. Despite these setbacks, he remained optimistic about the team’s overall performance on the tour, which included two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. The T20I series win, in particular, was a morale booster and a sign of Bangladesh’s potential to compete with top teams on their home soil.
Tanzid Hasan’s Explosive Contribution
In the third T20I, opener Tanzid Hasan played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s chase, scoring an unbeaten 73 off 47 balls. His aggressive innings, which included six maximums, ensured Bangladesh chased down the target with ease, finishing the game with 21 balls to spare. Tanzid’s performance was a perfect complement to Mahedi’s bowling heroics, showcasing the team’s balance and depth. The ability of young players like Tanzid to step up in crucial moments bodes well for Bangladesh’s future in T20 cricket.
Breaking Down Harbhajan’s Record
Mahedi’s record-breaking spell was a historic moment for Bangladesh cricket, as it surpassed Harbhajan Singh’s long-standing mark for the best bowling figures by a visiting bowler at the R Premadasa Stadium in a T20I. Harbhajan’s 4 for 12 against England in 2012 had been a benchmark for visiting spinners, with players like Josh Hazlewood (4 for 16) and Mustafizur Rahman (4 for 21) coming close but falling short. Mahedi’s 4 for 11, achieved with an economy rate of 2.75, was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure.
The significance of this record was amplified by the context of the match. Mahedi’s wickets derailed Sri Lanka’s top order, preventing them from building a competitive total. His ability to bowl tight lines and exploit the conditions made him a standout performer and a key factor in Bangladesh’s victory.
The Road Ahead for Bangladesh
The T20I series win in Sri Lanka is a significant step forward for Bangladesh, who have often struggled to assert themselves in the shortest format. Under Litton Das’s leadership, the team has shown signs of progress, with players like Mahedi Hasan and Tanzid Hasan stepping up at critical moments. The series victory has boosted the team’s confidence and demonstrated their ability to compete against strong opposition in challenging conditions.
However, Litton’s comments about the batting unit highlight areas for improvement. Addressing the issue of collapses and ensuring greater consistency will be crucial as Bangladesh aims to build on this success. The emergence of young talents like Tanzid, combined with the experience of players like Mahedi and Litton, provides a strong foundation for the team to grow.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka T20I Series Decider: Key Highlights & Records
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Result | Bangladesh won 2-1 against Sri Lanka in the 3-match T20I series |
| Decider Venue | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Match Result (3rd T20I) | Bangladesh won by 8 wickets, chased 133 with 21 balls to spare |
| Player of the Match | Mahedi Hasan – 4-11 in 4 overs (career-best T20I bowling figures) |
| Mahedi Hasan’s Bowling Figures | 4 overs, 1 maiden, 11 runs, 4 wickets |
| Significance of Mahedi’s Spell | – Dismissed 4 of Sri Lanka’s top 5 batters – 2 wickets in Powerplay – Broke Harbhajan Singh’s 13-year-old T20I record at RPS |
| Record Broken | Best bowling by a visiting spinner at R Premadasa Stadium in T20Is (previous: Harbhajan’s 4-12) |
| Mahedi’s Comeback Context | – First match of the tour (missed 5 previous T20Is) – Dropped after poor outings vs UAE & Pakistan |
| Litton Das on Mahedi | “Mahedi was my first name in the line-up for Colombo. His skillset fits spin-friendly wickets.” |
| Litton Das Performance | Scored 76 in 2nd T20I and 32 in 3rd T20I, helping anchor both wins |
| Litton’s Leadership Milestone | First time Bangladesh won a T20I series vs Sri Lanka; second time coming back from 0-1 to win 2-1 |
| Powerplay Wicket Stats | Mahedi now has 30 Powerplay wickets since Jan 2021 — most by any spinner |
| Sri Lanka’s Total | 132/7 in 20 overs |
| Top SL Batter in Decider | Pathum Nissanka – 46 (dismissed by Mahedi via caught-and-bowled) |
| Bangladesh Batting Star | Tanzid Hasan – 73* off 47 balls (6 sixes, 5 fours) |
| Bangladesh Bowling Impact | Mahedi led with support from Mustafizur and Taskin; restricted SL to a below-par score |
| Bangladesh’s Overall Tour | Mixed performances across formats; key batting collapses but T20I series win offers momentum |
| Litton on Team Spirit | “I always had belief. You have to keep trying on and off the field. I never miss training.” |
| Historical Impact | – Bangladesh’s first T20I series win vs Sri Lanka – Mahedi sets venue record |
| Mahedi’s Previous Feat | Player of the Series in 2023 vs West Indies (3-0 series win) |
Why This Win Matters for Bangladesh Cricket:
- Breaks long-standing record at a tough venue
- Showcases depth in spin attack with both Mahedi Hasan and Mehidy Miraz as options
- Litton Das steps up as captain and batter, ending personal white-ball slump
- Provides much-needed T20I momentum ahead of ICC events
- Proves resilience after going 0-1 down in the series
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Bangladesh Cricket
Bangladesh’s T20I series win in Sri Lanka, powered by Mahedi Hasan’s record-breaking performance and Litton Das’s astute leadership, marks a new chapter in the team’s journey. The victory at the R Premadasa Stadium was not just a triumph on the scoreboard but a statement of intent, showcasing Bangladesh’s potential to compete with the best. Mahedi’s historic spell, breaking Harbhajan Singh’s 13-year-old record, will be remembered as a defining moment, while the team’s resilience in overcoming a 1-0 deficit highlights their belief and determination.
As Bangladesh looks to the future, the focus will be on building consistency, particularly in the batting department, and nurturing talents like Mahedi and Tanzid. With Litton Das at the helm, the Tigers are poised to roar louder in the T20I arena, and this series win in Colombo will serve as a source of inspiration for fans and players alike.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Bangladesh’s Historic T20I Win Over Sri Lanka
Q1: Why is Mahedi Hasan’s performance in Colombo considered historic?
Mahedi Hasan delivered a sensational bowling spell of 4 for 11, the best by a visiting bowler in T20Is at R Premadasa Stadium, breaking a 13-year-old record held by Harbhajan Singh (4 for 12 in 2012). His efforts helped Bangladesh seal the series and showcased his exceptional control in the powerplay.
Q2: What record did Mahedi Hasan break in the third T20I against Sri Lanka?
Mahedi surpassed Harbhajan Singh’s record for the best bowling figures by a visiting bowler at the Colombo venue in T20Is. His 4 for 11 is now the new benchmark for international spinners playing in Sri Lanka at this ground.
Q3: How did Litton Das influence the team’s victory through leadership?
Captain Litton Das had strategically picked Mahedi for the third T20I long before the game, anticipating the spin-friendly conditions in Colombo. His tactical foresight, coupled with a strong return to batting form, was vital in Bangladesh’s comeback and overall series win.
Q4: Was this Bangladesh’s first T20I series win over Sri Lanka?
Yes, this was Bangladesh’s first-ever T20I series win against Sri Lanka. They came from behind after losing the first match to take the series 2-1, making it a milestone achievement in Bangladesh’s cricket history.
Q5: Why was Mahedi’s selection so significant for the third T20I?
Mahedi was playing his first match of the series after being benched due to poor performances in earlier tours. Despite the pressure, he delivered a career-best performance, proving the captain’s faith in him and his own ability to bounce back.
Q6: What did Tanzid Hasan contribute in the final T20I?
Opener Tanzid Hasan scored an unbeaten 73 off 47 balls, hitting six sixes and anchoring the chase. His innings ensured that Bangladesh reached the target of 133 with 21 balls to spare, sealing the historic win in style.
Q7: How did Bangladesh perform overall on this tour of Sri Lanka?
Despite some batting collapses in ODIs and Tests, the T20I series win was a strong highlight. It showed their ability to regroup and adapt, especially in pressure situations, under Litton Das’s leadership.
Q8: What are the key improvements Litton Das wants from the team?
Litton emphasized the need for more consistent batting, especially on good tracks. He urged his players to play longer innings and avoid collapses by making better shot selections and showing greater responsibility.
Q9: How important was this win for Bangladesh’s T20 future?
This series win is a major confidence booster. It reflects a maturing team that can perform away from home. With promising talent like Tanzid and proven match-winners like Mahedi, the Tigers are building a formidable T20I core.
Q10: What does Mahedi Hasan’s powerplay record tell us?
Mahedi has taken 30 wickets in the powerplay since January 2021, the most among T20I spinners in that period. It showcases his knack for making early breakthroughs and controlling the game’s tempo from the start.