Bangladesh made a comeback in the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a record 83-run win in the second of the three-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.
The victory not only ended Bangladesh鈥檚 six-match losing streak in the format but also helped them to level the ongoing series 1-1.
After losing the ODI series 2-1 and suffering a seven-wicket thrashing in the first T20I, the Tigers were in danger of losing their third consecutive series, following their defeat to UAE (2-1) and Pakistan (3-0).
But they were able to act at the right time, thanks to commanding innings from captain Liton Das, Shamim Patwary, and the bowlers.
Apart from the openers, almost every department provided their best game. Liton struck an anchoring 76 off 50 balls 鈥� his first T20I fifty in 14 innings with Shamim, who added 48, as the visitors posted 177-7.
鈥楬ave been trying to play good cricket, but that wasn鈥檛 happening,鈥� said Liton, who scored the highest as captain in T20Is for Bangladesh.
Liton praised Shamim鈥檚 contribution as Bangladesh finally found some stability in the middle order.
鈥楥redit goes to Shamim; the way he batted, it was amazing,鈥� said Liton.
The bowlers then rolled over the hosts for a paltry 94 鈥� their lowest total against Bangladesh and their heaviest defeat to the Tigers in T20Is.
It was also the lowest T20I total ever recorded by Sri Lanka at home.
The captain further said the run-out dismissal of last match鈥檚 hero Kusal Mendis by Shamim was the watershed moment.
鈥楾hat run-out by Shamim to remove Kusal Mendis was very important. He has been in excellent form,鈥� added Liton.
Bangladesh brought three changes in the game, and it paid off.
Jaker Ali Anik returned after missing the opener due to a quadriceps injury, while left-arm pacers Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam were also recalled.
Rishad Hossain, who registered his career-best 3-18, striking twice in the 11th over to dismiss Pathum Nissanka (32) and Dasun Shanaka (20) and Shoriful (2-12), was also hailed by the captain.
鈥楬e (Rishad) is a big factor. When he bowls well, we are always in. Shoriful also bowled really well,鈥� he said.
Meanwhile, Shamim believes Liton鈥檚 innings was the turning point and remained optimistic about clinching the series.
鈥楲iton batted really well. It was a turning point because you need a good start early on, and because of that innings, we were able to finish strongly later,鈥� Shamim said in the post-match press conference.
鈥楩irst of all, we won the match, and that is the most pleasing thing. Now the series is level at 1-1, so this win was important for us. Now we have the chance to win the series, and hopefully, if we play well, we will win it.鈥�
The third match is scheduled on July 16 at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.