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Key Points

Bangladesh captain Litton Das had pre-planned spinner Mahedi Hasan's inclusion for the Colombo T20I, a move that paid off with a match-winning performance. Hasan's four-wicket haul restricted Sri Lanka to 132/7 before Tanzid Hasan's blistering 73* secured an eight-wicket victory. The win gave Bangladesh a 2-1 series triumph after earlier losses in Tests and ODIs. Das emphasized tailoring team selection to pitch conditions, favoring Hasan on bowling-friendly surfaces.

Key Points: Litton Das Planned Mahedi Hasan Inclusion for Colombo T20I Win

  • Litton Das strategically picked Mahedi Hasan for Colombo's spin-friendly pitch
  • Mahedi's 4-wicket haul dismantled Sri Lanka's top order
  • Tanzid Hasan's explosive 73* sealed Bangladesh's series-clinching win
  • Bangladesh bounced back after losing Test and ODI series to Sri Lanka
3 min read

I had planned that he will be my first name in the line-up at this venue: Bangladesh captain Litton Das on Mahendi Hasan for Colombo T20I

Bangladesh captain Litton Das reveals pre-series plan to use Mahedi Hasan at R Premadasa Stadium, leading to a decisive T20I victory over Sri Lanka.

"I had planned it as soon as I saw the schedule that Mahedi will be my first name in the line-up at this venue. – Litton Das"

Colombo, July 17

Bangladesh captain Litton Das had earmarked spinner Mahedi Hasan for the third T20I at the R Premadasa Stadium against Sri Lanka when he first saw their tour schedule.

A four-wicket haul by Mahendi Hasan and a blistering half-century by Tanzid Hasan helped Bangladesh complete a series win, defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the third T20I on Wednesday.

With this win, Bangladesh has won the T20I series by 2-1, following losses in the Test and ODI series.

"We felt that Mahedi's skills would be a perfect fit for the Colombo wicket. It doesn't mean he doesn't bowl well on other wickets. I had planned it as soon as I saw the schedule that Mahedi will be my first name in the line-up at this venue. It also doesn't mean that Mehidy [Hasan Miraz] is not a good bowler or batter. As a team leader, I will think deeply about the surface before choosing a team. A bowling-friendly surface will always make me pick Mahedi. If it is batting-friendly, Miraz will come back into the team," Litton Das said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

Mahedi delivered a fiery spell in the powerplay, as Sri Lanka was reduced to 49/4 in 7.4 overs. Mahedi completed his four-wicket haul by removing a set Pathum Nissanka (46 in 39 balls, with four fours), reducing SL to 66/5.

Reflecting on his performance, Hasan said the ball was spinning in the last two games, so I stuck to my lines and lengths.

"I know the wickets in Sri Lanka, the ball was spinning in the last two games, so I stuck to my lines and lengths. The new ball had a bit of spin, so I tried to land it in good areas, and luckily, I was successful," Mahedi Hasan said.

Coming to the match, Kamindu Mendis (21 in 15 balls, with a four and a six) and Dasun Shanaka (35* in 25 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) delivered some useful contributions, taking SL to 132/7 in their 20 overs.

With one wicket each, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shamim Hossain were also among the wickets. During the run-chase of 133 runs, Bangladesh lost Parvez Hossain Emon for a duck, but Tanzid Hasan (73* in 47 balls, with a four and six sixes) delivered a brutal counter-attack, along with skipper Litton Das (32* in 26 balls, with two fours and a six), forming a 74-run partnership.

Tanzid stuck around till the end, along with Towhid Hridoy (27* in 25 balls, with a four and six) took their team to a win with 21 balls left.

Nuwan Thushara and Kamindu took a wicket each. Mahedi's spell earned him the 'Player of the Match' honours.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Colombo, I must say Mahedi's bowling was magical to watch! The way he controlled the game in powerplay was textbook stuff. Bangladesh's spin department is becoming world-class.
A
Ananya R
While I appreciate the win, I feel Mehidy Hasan Miraz must be feeling bad. He's been a consistent performer and suddenly being dropped must hurt. Hope the team management handles this rotation policy carefully.
V
Vikram M
Tanzid Hasan's batting was fire! 🔥 That's the kind of fearless cricket we want to see from young players. Bangladesh's bench strength is impressive - they're building good depth in all departments.
K
Karthik V
The way Bangladesh bounced back after losing Test and ODI series shows great character. This T20 win will boost their confidence before the Asia Cup. But they need to be more consistent in longer formats.
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Priya S
As an Indian fan, I'm happy to see our neighbors playing such competitive cricket. The more strong teams in Asia, the better for cricket overall. Well played Bangladesh! 🇧🇩

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