DHAKA, July 16, 2025 (BSS)—Offspinner Mahedi Hasan registered his career-best 4-11 as Bangladesh restricted Sri Lanka to paltry 132-7 in the series-deciding third T20 International at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo today.

Bangladesh are chasing their first ever T20 series victory against Sri Lanka and Mahedi, who included in the playing squad for the first time in this series justified his selection with a gem of offspin bowling.

Bangladesh has won the last three T20 in this venue, which sparked the belief further for a historical feat. 

Mahedi got into act after Bangladesh had a breakthrough from pacer Shoriful Islam following Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first.

Shoriful had Kusal Mendis caught by Towhiod Hridoy in the first over of the innings for six before Mahedi struck thrice in his first three overs to jolt Lankan innings.

He started with the wicket of Kusal Perera, removing him with first-ball-duck and then got the better of Dinesh Chandimal who in his first T20 game in three years top-edged a delivery to point for 4. 

Mahedi then turned one sharply to rattle the stump of Lankan captain Charith Asalanka who made just 4, leaving Sri Lanka 49-4.

Despite all of the top four batters were dismissed with single digit figure, Sri Lanka’s scoreboard was still rotated in good pace, largely thanks to Pathum Nissanka who seemed to have played on another surface.

However, Mahedi’s last over earned him the big fish when he dismissed Nissanka with a return catch after he scored 46 off 39 with four boundaries.
With 66-5 in 11th over, Sri Lanka looked to be in danger being out below 100 for the second consecutive time in the series.

Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka resisted. Shamim Patwari ended Kamindu’s resistance after he made 21 off 15 but Shanaka took the side past 100 with an unbeaten 25 ball-35, a knock included with four fours and two sixes.