Bangladesh staged a thrilling comeback in the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo, fueled by a five-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam. His 5 for 39 in just his second One Day International not only sealed a narrow 16-run win but also ended Bangladesh’s demoralizing eight-match losing streak in the format. The performance marked a significant turning point in the series, helping Bangladesh level the contest and recapture momentum heading into the decider.
Tanvir’s spell was more than just numbers on a scorecard—it was a redemption arc, a triumph of resilience over doubt, and a shining example of leadership, strategic clarity, and personal conviction. For a bowler who had struggled for national team recognition and whose previous experiments with technique had failed to deliver results, this was a career-defining moment.
Bangladesh level the series with a 16-run win.
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 5, 2025
Hard-fought contest! We regroup and come back stronger!
#SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/NpqcPeQuEy
Under Pressure: A Rocky Start Transformed by Leadership
The game didn’t begin well for Tanvir. Tasked with bowling early in the powerplay, he was aggressively targeted by Kusal Mendis, who struck him for two fours and a six in a single over. Within just two overs, Tanvir had conceded 22 runs, and it appeared as though Bangladesh’s decision to play him might backfire. However, what happened next turned the entire match on its head.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz stood beside Tanvir on the field and offered more than just support—he provided a psychological reset. Instead of urging caution, Mehidy instructed Tanvir to bowl attacking lines, to forget about damage control, and to hunt for wickets. This decisive moment of leadership inspired Tanvir to recalibrate his approach. He began targeting the stumps more consistently and varied his pace more intelligently.
In his third over, Tanvir removed Nishan Madushka with a ball that forced an aerial miscue to point. His next over saw the crucial dismissal of Kusal Mendis, this time via a successful DRS review for an lbw. These two wickets in quick succession broke Sri Lanka’s momentum and handed Bangladesh control of the game—a control they would not relinquish.
Technical Clarity: Returning to a Trusted Bowling Action
Tanvir’s resurgence was not just tactical—it was deeply personal. Earlier in the year, he had experimented with a new bowling action during the T20I series against the UAE. The results were disastrous: two matches, expensive spells, and an immediate exclusion from the playing XI. His altered action drew criticism and clearly didn’t suit his rhythm or control.
After being dropped from the squad against Pakistan and nearly missing out on this ODI series, fate offered a second chance when leg-spinner Rishad Hossain fell ill on the eve of the first match. Tanvir seized the opportunity, but not before making a pivotal change—he returned to his original bowling action, one he had used since 2013. The decision, as he later explained, came after a candid discussion with teammate Towhid Hridoy.
Hridoy encouraged Tanvir to embrace what had worked for him in domestic cricket. “That old action made me who I am,” Tanvir remarked. The result was a bowler operating with confidence, precision, and rhythm—qualities that had been missing during his experimental phase. His ability to bounce back to form by trusting his roots is a lesson in the value of self-awareness and adaptability.
Mehidy’s Tactical Brilliance and the Team Effort
While Tanvir rightly earned the headlines, the win was built on a wider team effort, orchestrated by astute captaincy. Mehidy Hasan Miraz managed his bowling changes with calculated precision. He ensured that pressure was maintained through tight spells from Shamim Hossain, who bowled nine vital overs to stifle the middle-order scoring. Mehidy himself also bowled economically and led with calm, proactive field placements.
The game-changing moments extended to the batting department as well. Emon provided a brisk start at the top of the order, putting Sri Lanka on the back foot early. Later in the innings, Tanzim Hasan Sakib contributed with aggressive lower-order runs. His fearless striking against Wanindu Hasaranga in the death overs proved to be the difference between a defendable total and a collapse.
As Mehidy pointed out after the match, “Every time the momentum shifted, it was a turning point for us.” His emphasis on moments of individual brilliance underscores how this was a collective fightback from a side desperate to end a run of poor results.
Bangladesh’s Persistent Flaws Still Linger
Despite the euphoria of victory, the match also exposed lingering structural issues that Bangladesh must address. For the second ODI in a row, the team failed to bat out the full 50 overs—an ongoing problem that has often cost them tight matches. In addition, two key run-outs and four dropped catches during the fielding innings reflected lapses in discipline and execution.
These are not isolated issues; they are symptoms of a broader inconsistency that continues to plague the team across formats. The dropped catches could have swung the game in Sri Lanka’s favor had Tanvir not sustained pressure from one end. Likewise, the middle-order collapse, triggered by poor shot selection and miscommunication, points to a lack of composure under pressure.
Mehidy himself acknowledged these shortcomings in his post-match comments. “We haven’t been able to bat fifty overs in both ODIs. There were a couple of run-outs, and we lost a cluster of wickets in the last ten overs. We need to improve in those areas.”
Tanvir’s Journey: From Dhaka League to National Recognition
Tanvir Islam’s cricketing journey stands in stark contrast to the traditional Bangladesh cricketing pathway. Unlike most of his contemporaries, he never represented the country in any age-group competitions. Instead, he forged his path through consistent performances in the Dhaka Premier League, where he developed his skills and gained recognition on merit alone.
Making his debut at 28 years old, Tanvir defied the perception that elite cricket careers must begin in youth. “I always believed performance is the key, not age,” he stated after the match. His story is one of delayed but deserved recognition—a powerful reminder that talent can emerge through alternative routes if given the opportunity.
This performance may not just redefine his personal career; it could also prompt selectors to cast a wider net and recognize the value of experience and perseverance beyond the usual youth pipelines.
Statistical Highlights from the 2nd ODI
- Match Result: Bangladesh won by 16 runs
- Bangladesh’s Total: 248 all out in 49.1 overs
- Sri Lanka’s Total: 232 all out in 48.5 overs
- Top Performer (Bowling): Tanvir Islam – 10 overs, 5 wickets, 39 runs
- Crucial Partnerships: Tanzim’s quick 20+ at the end; Shamim and Mehidy’s tight bowling in the middle overs
- Dropped Catches by Bangladesh: 4
- Run-outs: 2 (both in Bangladesh innings)
Looking Ahead: What Bangladesh Must Do Before the Decider
The victory in Colombo will undoubtedly lift Bangladesh’s spirits, but the team remains a work in progress. Heading into the third and final ODI of the series, the following areas demand immediate attention:
- Batting Depth and Discipline: Bangladesh must prioritize batting out the full 50 overs and avoiding collapses in the final ten.
- Fielding Accuracy: Dropped catches and unnecessary run-outs are match-losing errors at this level.
- Continued Support for Late Bloomers: Players like Tanvir Islam prove that performance should be the primary metric, not age or past pedigree.
- Strategic Leadership: Mehidy’s on-field decisions were exemplary; continuing this clarity will be crucial.
With the series now finely poised, Bangladesh has a rare opportunity to snatch a comeback win from behind. If the bowlers continue to show the hunger and intent seen in Colombo, and if the batters can anchor innings with more maturity, a statement series win is well within reach.
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Tanvir Islam weaves a spin trap to rattle the Sri Lanka batters 🔥#SLvBAN 📝: https://t.co/AxyL1CPPMX pic.twitter.com/84G3qcKmf1
— ICC (@ICC) July 5, 2025
Conclusion
Tanvir Islam’s five-wicket haul was more than a statistical accomplishment—it was a symbol of Bangladesh’s determination to rise above setbacks. It was a performance rooted in self-belief, team unity, and the quiet confidence that comes from staying true to one’s strengths. With emerging talents stepping up and senior players guiding wisely, Bangladesh may be at the cusp of redefining their white-ball identity.
The road ahead is challenging, but this victory offers a blueprint. Persist with your core strengths. Support your players through rough spells. And most importantly, believe that redemption is always within reach—for a player, a team, or a nation.