Bangladesh Create History with First T20I Series Win Over Sri Lanka

Dominant All-Round Show Powers Bangladesh to Landmark Victory in Colombo

Bangladesh scripted a memorable chapter in their cricketing history by securing their first-ever T20I series victory over Sri Lanka, clinching the three-match series 2-1 with a convincing eight-wicket win in the final encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, July 16. The match was highlighted by Mahedi Hasan’s career-best 4/11 and a stunning unbeaten 73-run knock from Tanzid Hasan Tamim, which dismantled Sri Lanka’s challenge in both departments.

Mahedi Hasan Spins Web Around Sri Lanka

Early Wickets Shake Sri Lanka’s Foundation

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka’s innings never really found rhythm. The home side suffered immediate setbacks as Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera departed within the first two overs. Shoriful Islam struck the early blow when Mendis, after hitting a boundary, flicked straight into the hands of deep square leg. Perera followed for a golden duck, edging Mahedi Hasan to slip.

The situation worsened when Dinesh Chandimal miscued a shot off Mahedi and was caught at cover in the fifth over, reducing Sri Lanka to 34 for 3. Although Pathum Nissanka stood resilient at one end, he kept losing partners as Charith Asalanka was bowled by Mahedi for 3.

Nissanka Fights Lone Battle, Shanaka Lifts Total Late

Mahedi continued his destruction, claiming a brilliant caught-and-bowled off Nissanka to complete a wicket-maiden, pushing Sri Lanka to 66 for 5. While Kamindu Mendis tried to inject momentum with a six and a four off Tanzim Hasan Sakib, his efforts were short-lived, as Shamim Hossain dismissed him soon after.

By the 17th over, Sri Lanka had lost seven wickets and were languishing at just 110. A late flourish from Dasun Shanaka, who hammered two sixes and two fours in a single over from Shoriful, helped them finish at 132/7 in 20 overs — a score that looked below par given Bangladesh’s recent form.

Read our recap of Bangladesh’s earlier T20I triumphs against top-tier opponents.

Tanzid Hasan Tamim Steals the Show in Bangladesh’s Chase

A Rock Solid Knock From the Young Opener

Despite losing Parvez Hossain Emon on the very first ball — trapped LBW by Nuwan Thushara — Bangladesh stayed positive. Litton Das survived an LBW scare thanks to DRS and then joined hands with Tanzid Hasan Tamim to lay a strong foundation.

Tanzid took charge with an aggressive display, smashing six sixes and a four in his innings. He dispatched Charith Asalanka and Jeffrey Vandersay with clean hits over the fence. The duo added 74 runs for the second wicket, taking Bangladesh to 89/2 in 10 overs.

Match-Winning Partnership and Calm Finish

Litton’s innings came to an end when he fell for 32 to Kamindu Mendis, attempting a slog sweep. But that didn’t break Bangladesh’s momentum. Tanzid brought up his 27-ball fifty and continued the onslaught. He survived a dropped catch by Maheesh Theekshana and punished Kamindu Mendis in the same over with a towering six.

Towhid Hridoy played the perfect supporting role, rotating strike smartly and hitting a four and a six to ensure the chase was wrapped up efficiently. Bangladesh overhauled the target in 16.3 overs, ending at 133/2, and sealing a landmark series win.

Key Performers

• Tanzid Hasan Tamim – 73* off 47 balls (6 sixes, 1 four); match-winning innings

• Mahedi Hasan – 4/11 in 4 overs; broke Sri Lanka’s back with spin

• Dasun Shanaka – 35* off 21 balls; provided late fireworks for Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka – 46 off 37 balls; lone top-order performer for the hosts

• Litton Das – 32 off 25 balls; vital partnership with Tanzid

Related Reads

• For official stats and player records, visit the ICC Match Centre.

• Read our full Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka T20I Series Overview.

A Historic Milestone for Bangladesh Cricket

Bangladesh’s resounding win in Colombo was more than just a match victory — it was a symbol of progress and belief. With emerging stars like Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mahedi Hasan stepping up, Bangladesh have proved they can now go toe-to-toe with more established T20 sides and come out victorious. Their first T20I series win over Sri Lanka sets a new benchmark and promises more glory in the near future.