Mahedi and Tanzid fire Bangladesh to first T20I series win over Sri Lanka

Career-best contributions from Mahedi Hasan and Tanzid Hasan powered Bangladesh to a series-winning eight-wicket triumph against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

Mahedi took 4-11 as Sri Lanka finished 132-7, with Tanzid's unbeaten 73 from 47 deliveries sealing a maiden T20I series victory for Bangladesh over their opponents in Colombo.

Bangladesh started brightly after Kusal Mendis (six) and Kusal Perera (0) fell inside the first two overs, with Shoriful Islam and Mahedi striking early for the tourists.

Pathum Nissanka was able to steady the ship somewhat, but the wickets continued to fall around him as Dinesh Chandimal (four) and Charith Asalanka (three) were soon dismissed.

Nissanka's innings eventually came to an end on 46 from 39 balls, with the Sri Lankan opener caught and bowled by Mahedi, who had ripped through their top order.

And despite a late blitz from Dasun Shanaka, who plundered an unbeaten 35 from 25 deliveries, Kamindu Mendis (21), Jeffrey Vandersay (seven), and Maheesh Theekshana (six) were unable to add significant totals.

Sri Lanka, however, got off to the perfect start as they grabbed the wicket of Parvez Hossain Emon with the first ball of their innings, but that was about as good as it got.

Tanzid and Litton Das (32) put on a 74-run partnership for the second wicket, with the latter dismissed in the ninth over by Kamindu, but Bangladesh were already 74-2.

From there, Tanzid took control, reaching his half-century in just 27 balls. He was supported by Towhid Hridoy (27), who sealed the victory with the winning run off Theekshana.

History ! First-ever series win in Sri Lanka!The Bangladesh Team has secured their first-ever T20I series win on Sri Lankan soil, marking a proud milestone for the team and their fans. A moment to remember for Bangladesh cricket!Courtesy: SLC#BCB | #T20I #BANvsSRL pic.twitter.com/35EF04CzyX
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) July 16, 2025

Data Debrief: Mahedi and Tanzid star in historic Bangladesh victory

Bangladesh's victory here saw them clinch their maiden T20I series in Sri Lanka, marking only the second time they had won a series in the format after trailing in the first game, the first being seven years ago against West Indies.

It was also the first time Bangladesh had put together back-to-back T20I victories since a four-game winning streak from December 2024 and May 2025.

And they were led by Mahedi and Tanzid's brilliance. The latter produced his best batting score in the format, surpassing his unbeaten 58 against the United States in 2024.

Mahedi, meanwhile, narrowly surpassed his career-best total in T20Is, with his previous best bowling figures of 4-13 coming against West Indies in December 2024.