WATCH: Tanvir Islam’s fifer wrecks Sri Lankan batting line-up in the SL vs BAN 2nd ODI

Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam delivered a spell for the ages, claiming a sensational five-wicket haul to dismantle Sri Lanka in the second ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. His historic performance not only secured a hard-fought 16-run victory for the visitors but also levelled the three-match series 1-1, setting up a tantalizing decider in Pallekele.

Tanvir Islam rips through Sri Lanka’s batting order in 2nd ODI

Sri Lanka, chasing a modest target of 249, looked threatening thanks to Kusal Mendis’ blistering 31-ball 56 and Janith Liyanage’s resilient 78 off 85 balls. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Tanvir was introduced into the attack. Despite a shaky start, conceding 22 runs in his first two overs, Tanvir responded to his captain’s encouragement and reverted to an attacking line, focusing on wicket-taking deliveries.

“He told me I don’t have to bowl defensively. I have to do wicket-taking bowling. Thankfully, I listened to my captain,” Tanvir revealed in the post-match presentation.

Tanvir’s breakthrough came when he dismissed Nishan Madushka, followed swiftly by the prized wicket of Kusal, who was trapped lbw after a rapid-fire half-century. He then removed Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage, breaking the backbone of the Sri Lankan middle order. Tanvir completed his fifer by dismissing Maheesh Theekshana, finishing with incredible figures of 5 for 39 in 10 overs, the best by a Bangladesh bowler against Sri Lanka in ODIs and the second-best by a visiting spinner in Sri Lanka.

Here’s the video:

A spell for the ages ✨

Tanvir Islam weaves a web around Sri Lanka, taking 5/39 with two maidens, and helps Bangladesh clinch an amazing victory to level the series 🏏#BANvSL pic.twitter.com/S1i5S0SyXR

— FanCode (@FanCode) July 5, 2025

Also READ: Tanvir Islam’s heroic spell helps Bangladesh script history in Colombo against Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI

Bangladesh’s fighting win sets the stage for series decider

Earlier, Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by Parvez Hossain Emon’s maiden ODI fifty (67 off 69) and Towhid Hridoy’s composed 51. Despite early setbacks and a mid-innings wobble, a late flourish from Tanzim Hasan Sakib (33* off 21) pushed Bangladesh to a competitive total of 248 in 45.5 overs. Asitha Fernando starred with the ball for Sri Lanka, claiming four wickets and keeping the pressure on the visitors.

Sri Lanka’s chase was derailed by regular wickets, with only Liyanage offering sustained resistance. As the required rate climbed, Tanvir’s relentless accuracy and flight proved too much for the hosts. Mustafizur Rahman’s dismissal of Liyanage in the penultimate over sealed the win, ending Sri Lanka’s hopes at 232 all out.

With this victory, Bangladesh not only snapped an eight-match losing streak in ODIs but also set up a mouth-watering series finale. Tanvir Islam’s historic fifer will be remembered as the turning point that reignited Bangladesh’s campaign and announced his arrival on the international stage. The teams now head to Pallekele for the decisive third ODI, with momentum firmly back in Bangladesh’s corner.

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