COLOMBO: Bangladesh leveled the three-match T20 series at 1-1 on Sunday with a commanding 83-run victory, bowling out Sri Lanka for just 94 in 15.2 overs. It marked Bangladesh’s second-largest win by runs in T20 internationals.

Captain Litton Das led from the front, smashing 76 off 50 balls, his first T20 half-century in 13 matches, to guide Bangladesh to a competitive total of 177-7 after Sri Lanka chose to bowl first.

Sri Lanka’s chase unraveled quickly after the in-form Kusal Mendis was run out in the second over. The hosts crumbled to 30-4 during the powerplay, largely due to the pressure created by pacer Shoriful Islam, who took 2-12 in a standout performance. He was one of three changes made by Bangladesh following their defeat in the opening match.

Only Pathum Nissanka (32) and Dasun Shanaka (20) managed to reach double figures, as Sri Lanka was dismissed with over four overs remaining.

All five of Bangladesh’s bowlers contributed with wickets in a complete team effort. Legspinner Rishad Hossain (3-18) wrapped up the innings by having No. 10 Binura Fernando stumped.

Earlier, Hossain played a key role in breaking Sri Lanka’s brief resistance. He had Pathum Nissanka stumped by Litton Das, ending a 41-ball fifth-wicket stand. Later in the same 11th over, he struck again by removing Chamika Karunaratne for a duck with a sharp caught-and-bowled, reducing Sri Lanka to 71-6.
Litton Das not only starred with the bat but also impressed behind the stumps, completing two stumpings and taking two catches in a well-rounded performance.

Sri Lanka had taken the lead in the series with a seven-wicket win in the opening T20 on Thursday, sealing victory with an over to spare, as well as winning the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh 2-1 and two-match test series 1-0
The series decider will be played on Wednesday in Colombo.