Bangladesh spinner Mahedi Hasan scripted history at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, delivering sensational figures of 4-1-11-4 in the series-deciding T20I against Sri Lanka. Opening the bowling, Mahedi shattered a 13-year-old record previously held by India’s Harbhajan Singh for the best figures by a visiting bowler in T20Is at this venue.
Record-Breaking Spell
Mahedi was introduced early in the innings and immediately impacted the game, dismissing Kusal Perera for a golden duck. He continued his magic in the powerplay, removing Dinesh Chandimal, Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka, and executing a sharp caught-and-bowled to dismiss a dangerous Pathum Nissanka. His spell—bowling two overs inside the powerplay—helped restrict Sri Lanka to a modest 132/7.
Mahedi’s 4-wicket haul for just 11 runs surpassed Harbhajan’s 4-12 against England during the 2012 T20 World Cup as the best figures by a visiting bowler at the Premadasa. Although Wanindu Hasaranga now holds the overall record (4-9 vs India, 2021), Mahedi’s feat marks a new high for overseas spinners at this storied ground.
Tigers Clinch Series in Style
Chasing 133, Bangladesh openers started strongly. Tanzid Hasan anchored the pursuit with an unbeaten 73 off 47 balls, peppering the boundary with six sixes and ensuring the Tigers sailed to victory with 21 deliveries in hand and just two wickets lost. Mahedi, playing his first game in the tour—having replaced Mehidy Hasan Miraz—was declared player of the match.
With this statement win, Bangladesh secured the T20I series against Sri Lanka, marking a memorable day for both Mahedi Hasan and Bangladeshi cricket.