Mahedi Hasan delivered a career-best performance of 4 for 11, as Bangladesh secured a landmark eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third T20I at the R. Premadasa Stadium, clinching the series 2-1—their first-ever T20I series win in Sri Lanka.
Captain Litton Das revealed that he had earmarked Mahedi for this match from the moment he saw the tour schedule, believing his offspin skillset suited Colombo's spin-friendly conditions. Mahedi repaid that faith immediately, striking twice in the powerplay to dismiss Kusal Perera and Dinesh Chandimal, then adding two more to complete a dominant spell. Since January 2021, Mahedi has now taken 30 powerplay wickets, the most by any spinner in that period.
Despite being dropped from the first two T20Is due to expensive spells in previous series, Mahedi seized his opportunity in a must-win encounter, helping Bangladesh bowl Sri Lanka out for a modest total. His return was especially satisfying after missing the last five T20Is despite being named Player of the Series in a clean sweep over the West Indies in December.
Moeen Ali, with two early wickets, and Imran Tahir also played key roles in dismantling Sri Lanka, but Mahedi’s spell was the match-defining effort.
In the chase, Bangladesh suffered a brief setback but were steadied by Litton Das, who scored a composed 32, following up on his 76 off 50 in the previous game. His second T20I knock helped Bangladesh recover from early losses and seal the win comfortably.
Reflecting on the tour, Litton emphasized strategic team selection, noting that Mahedi is preferred on bowling-friendly pitches, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz remains an important option on batting surfaces. He also praised his team’s effort, discipline, and belief, citing that belief—his own and the team’s—was key in bouncing back after losing the first T20I.
The skipper acknowledged that while Bangladesh had moments of inconsistency—particularly with batting collapses in both the ODIs and the second Test—they played solid cricket overall. He stressed the need for greater responsibility and shot selection from the batting group to avoid similar collapses going forward.
Personally, Litton found form after a long white-ball slump, with his half-century in the second T20I proving pivotal in turning the series. He credited hunger, consistent effort, and faith for the turnaround, saying:
“I don’t sit in the hotel room. I don’t miss training sessions. You have to keep trying as a player… I worked on my own mostly. Some people helped me too. It can be motivating.”
Bangladesh now heads into the rest of the season buoyed by a breakthrough T20I series win, with renewed confidence and the emergence of key performers in Mahedi Hasan, Litton Das, and the leadership group.