In just his 2nd ODI, Tanvir Islam’s 5-fer wins it for Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s cricket team has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years, but their recent performance in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka has been nothing short of thrilling. After a narrow loss in the first ODI, the Tigers bounced back with a stunning win in the second match, thanks to a remarkable 5-wicket haul by Tanvir Islam in only his second ODI appearance.
The match on July 5 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium was a nail-biter, with both teams trading blows throughout the day. Bangladesh, who opted to bat first, posted a decent total of 248 after being sent into bat by Sri Lanka. The visitors, however, started their chase strongly, with opener Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis putting on a 64-run partnership to reduce the deficit to 49 runs.
But just when it seemed like Sri Lanka were gaining the upper hand, Tanvir Islam, playing only his second ODI, took matters into his own hands. The young left-arm spinner, who had already impressed with his economical bowling in the first ODI, took 5 wickets for just 39 runs to reduce Sri Lanka to 170/8.
With Sri Lanka’s top order in disarray, the visitors’ lower middle order tried to mount a comeback. A 58-run 9th wicket stand between Dunith Wellalage and Pramod Madushan threatened to snatch the victory from Bangladesh’s grasp. However, Tanvir Islam’s perseverance and accuracy ultimately paid off as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 232, giving Bangladesh a 16-run win.
The victory was Bangladesh’s first in the series, and it has now leveled the three-match series at 1-1. For Tanvir Islam, the win was a dream come true, especially considering it was his second ODI appearance. The 24-year-old spinner has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, and his recent performances have earned him a spot in the national team.
Tanvir Islam’s 5-fer was not the only highlight of the match. Bangladesh’s top order, led by Soumya Sarkar’s 65, did the bulk of the damage with the bat. The Tigers’ total of 248 was a decent one, considering the conditions were slightly difficult due to the dew.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were undone by their own mistakes. Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis’ promising start was undone by the spin duo of Tanvir Islam and Mehidy Hasan, who chipped away at the Sri Lankan innings with precision. Wellalage and Madushan’s 58-run stand was the only bright spot in an otherwise disappointing innings.
The win has given Bangladesh a much-needed boost, and they will look to carry this momentum into the final match of the series. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will need to regroup and come up with a better performance if they are to win the series.
In the end, Tanvir Islam’s 5-fer was the decisive factor in Bangladesh’s win. His ability to bowl tight lines and lengths, coupled with his ability to take wickets at crucial junctures, made him the difference between victory and defeat. The young spinner’s performance has sent a strong message to the cricketing world that he is a force to be reckoned with.
