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Published : 13 Jul 2025, 07:53 PM
Bangladesh have ended a six-match losing streak in emphatic fashion, riding on superb shows from Litton Das and Shamim Hossain to thump Sri Lanka by 83 runs in the second T20 to leave the three-match series in the balance.
Litton struck a timely return to form with a composed 76 off 50 deliveries, while Shamim’s blistering 48 off 27 balls turned the tide decisively in Bangladesh’s favour after a mid-innings wobble on Sunday.
The pair steered the tourists to 177 for 7 after being asked to bat at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
In reply, Sri Lanka crumbled under pressure and were skittled for just 94 in 15.2 overs, as Bangladesh secured their biggest win by run margin against a full member of the ICC.
Buoyed by sharp fielding and a high-energy display, Bangladesh bowlers exposed the fragility of Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order after early inroads.
Shamim was again central, running out Kusal Mendis (8) and taking a key catch in the deep to remove Avishka Fernando (2).
The momentum had swung earlier in the 12th over of Bangladesh’s innings, when the dismissals of Towhid Hridoy (31) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (1) threatened to undo a patient recovery from a poor start.
But Shamim’s arrival revived the innings as he cut his second ball for four and put the Sri Lankan death specialists to the sword with some clean hitting. He took Nuwan Thushara (1-30) for three boundaries and also found success against Maheesh Theekshana (1-30) and Binura Fernando (3-31).
Only five of Shamim’s 27 deliveries were dots, underlining his relentless intent. Though he and Jaker Ali (3) were dismissed in the final over in an attempt to steal runs, the damage had been done.
Litton, under scrutiny after 13 innings without a fifty, had luck on his side. On 30, he was almost stumped after misreading Jeffrey Vandersay (0-40), but Mendis failed to collect the ball.
Then, on 56, he was dropped by Theekshana at mid-off, which allowed him to add 20 more runs before finally falling in the 19th over.
Sri Lanka’s chase lacked the firepower of their first-game blitz in Kandy. With Mendis run out early and Pathum Nissanka (32) tied down by disciplined bowling from Mustafizur Rahman (1-14) and Shoriful Islam (2-12) -- both drafted in for this match -- the top order faltered.
The middle and lower orders fared no better. Avishka, Perera (0), and Asalanka fell without resistance, while Dashun Shanaka (20) went down for 12 in the 12th over, leaving Sri Lanka at 73 for 7. The final collapse came swiftly.
