Miraz backs Tanvir, spinner delivers with stunning 5-39
Tanvir delivers with stunning 5-39, Cricfrenzy
Bangladesh faced a must-win situation in the second ODI after losing the series opener against Sri Lanka, rising to the occasion, left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam delivered a stunning performance, claiming 5 wickets for 39 runs, and played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s dramatic 16-run win in Colombo.
The victory levels the three-match series 1-1.
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The breakthrough initially came from pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who removed Pathum Nissanka early.
However, Sri Lanka recovered quickly as Kusal Mendis and Nishan Madushka built a rapid 69-run stand.
It was Tanvir who broke the partnership by dismissing Madushka, and from there, he tore through the middle order, eventually finishing with a maiden ODI five-wicket haul to earn the Player of the Match award.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz backed Tanvir throughout and later praised his resolve and ability to bounce back under pressure.
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“In my first two overs, I gave away 22 runs. But the captain came to me and said, ‘Tanvir, bowlers get hit, but I believe in you. Just focus on wicket-taking bowling. Don’t be defensive,’” Tanvir revealed at the post-match press conference.
“I stuck to that plan, gave my best, and Alhamdulillah, it paid off.”
Batting first, Bangladesh posted 249 runs, thanks to fifties from Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy. Though the Tigers struggled to push past 250 due to a late-innings collapse, the team remained confident about defending the total.
“When we posted 249, the captain and management told us we could defend it. Everyone believed. We knew that if wickets fell regularly, we’d have a chance,” Tanvir added.
Bangladesh’s bowlers backed that belief by bowling Sri Lanka out for 232, securing a thrilling victory that now sets up a winner-takes-all third ODI on Tuesday.
