Bangladesh spinner Mahedi Hasan delivered a sensational spell of 4-11 to dismantle Sri Lanka’s top order and guide the visitors to an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the T20I series decider at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
His performance not only helped Bangladesh seal the series 2-1 but also etched his name in history by breaking a 13-year-old record held by Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.
Making his first appearance of the series, Mahedi opened the bowling and rattled Sri Lanka with figures of 4-1-11-4, the best-ever by a visiting bowler at this venue in T20 Internationals. His victims included some of Sri Lanka’s key batters—Kusal Perera (golden duck), Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, and Pathum Nissanka (caught & bowled on 46).
Harbhajan had previously held the record with figures of 4-12 against England in the 2012 T20 World Cup, a feat that had stood unchallenged until Mahedi’s brilliance on Wednesday night. Although Wanindu Hasaranga recorded even better overall figures of 4-9 in 2021, Mahedi now holds the best performance by a visiting bowler at the ground.
The hosts were restricted to 132/7, a target Bangladesh chased down effortlessly in just 16.3 overs, thanks largely to a dominant knock from Tanzid Hasan, who remained unbeaten on 73 off 47 balls, smashing six sixes. The win marked a fitting end to a long series that included two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
Mahedi’s inclusion came in place of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and his instant impact proved decisive in tilting the match and series Bangladesh’s way.
