After losing the Test and ODI series, Bangladesh's T20I campaign also started with a defeat, raising fears that the Tigers might return empty-handed from Sri Lanka. However, Litton Das's team penned a remarkable comeback story with two consecutive victories.
On Wednesday, July 16, Bangladesh clinched the T20I series against Sri Lanka with an 8-wicket win, marking their first-ever T20I series victory on Sri Lankan soil.
In the series decider at the Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bat. Sheikh Mahedi, getting his first opportunity in the series, proved to be a nightmare for the Lankan batters. He picked up four crucial wickets, conceding only 11 runs with one maiden over in his four overs.
However, the initial blow to Sri Lanka's batting lineup came from Tiger pacer Shoriful Islam, who sent Kusal Mendis back to the pavilion in his very first over.
Opener Pathum Nissanka was the lone resistance for Sri Lanka, scoring 46 runs off 39 balls. Towards the end, Dasun Shanaka remained unbeaten with 35 runs off 25 balls, smashing Shoriful for two sixes and two fours in the final over to help Sri Lanka post a competitive total of 132 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
In pursuit of the target, Bangladesh lost a wicket on the very first ball of their innings, as Parvez Hossain Emon was dismissed for a golden duck, putting the Tigers in early trouble. However, last match's hero Litton Das, coming in at number three, steadied the ship.
Litton Das and Tanzid Tamim pulled Bangladesh out of trouble after losing a wicket before even opening their scoring. Litton Das was caught off Kamindu Mendis's bowling after scoring 32 runs off 26 balls. By then, Bangladesh had reached 74 runs in 8.3 overs.
Towhid Hridoy then joined the crease. He and the in-form Tanzid Tamim completed the rest of the job for Bangladesh. Tanzid Tamim remained unbeaten on 73 runs off 47 balls, leading his team to victory. Towhid Hridoy was also unbeaten with 27 runs off 25 balls.
