“We Knew We Could Win”: Tanvir Reveals Bangladesh’s Belief in Stunning Sri Lanka Upset
Bangladesh pulled off a sensational 16-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI at Colombo, defending a modest total of 248. Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam claimed a match-winning five-wicket haul, while Sri Lanka’s Janith Liyanage was left ruing his dismissal after a valiant 78 that nearly sealed an unlikely chase.
The victory ended Bangladesh’s eight-match losing streak in ODIs and leveled the three-match series 1-1. Despite posting what seemed like a below-par total, Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by the inspirational Tanvir, defended it with remarkable determination and skill.
Captain’s Faith Proves Crucial
Tanvir revealed how captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s unwavering belief transformed the team’s mindset.
“When I conceded 22 runs in the first two overs, the captain stood next to me and said something special. He told me a bowler is bound to get hit. He said I don’t have to bowl defensively, I have to bowl to take wickets.”
The captain’s words proved prophetic. Despite being hammered by Kusal Mendis early on – including 17 runs in one over – Tanvir bounced back spectacularly. “He kept telling us that we can defend the 248-run total,” Tanvir added, highlighting the captain’s confidence even when defending such a modest score.
Mehidy himself praised Tanvir’s contribution alongside other key performers. “Every time the momentum shifted, it was a turning point for us. Tanvir made regular breakthroughs. He bowled really well,” the captain said. He also credited Shamim Hossain’s economical nine overs and Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s crucial late cameo of 33 not out.
A Heartbreaking Near-Miss for Sri Lanka
While Bangladesh celebrated, Sri Lanka’s Janith Liyanage was left to contemplate what might have been. The middle-order batter had brought Sri Lanka tantalizingly close to victory, reducing the equation to just 21 runs off 17 balls with two wickets in hand.
“When I was in the middle, I thought Sri Lanka always had a chance. I was telling my partners that if we can take it deep, we can win the game. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do it.”
His dismissal to a Mustafizur Rahman slower ball proved the turning point. “If I’d stayed there, we would definitely have been able to win. Dushmantha Chameera was giving me incredible support at the time. I was the one who made the mistake,” he admitted honestly.
The defining period of Sri Lanka’s chase came between the 10th and 30th overs when they lost five wickets for just 57 runs. Despite Kusal Mendis’ blistering 56 off 31 balls – including the fastest fifty at the venue in men’s ODIs – the middle-order collapse left too much for the tail to accomplish.
Tanvir’s remarkable turnaround included the crucial wickets of both Mendis batsmen and Dunith Wellalage. His return to form came after reverting to his original bowling action on teammate Towhid Hridoy’s advice, having struggled with a new action in recent T20Is.
The series now heads to Pallekele for Tuesday’s decider, with both teams having shown they can dominate on their day. For Bangladesh, this victory proves they can defend even modest totals with belief and determination. For Sri Lanka, it’s a harsh reminder that cricket matches aren’t won until the final run is scored.
