Sri Lanka’s Spinners Trigger Historic Collapse as Bangladesh Crumble Under Lights
In what can only be described as a historic and dramatic turnaround, Sri Lanka delivered a devastating blow to Bangladesh in their high-voltage clash, pulling off a stunning 77-run victory at the ICC event. The match, held under lights, turned chaotic as Bangladesh, once cruising at 100/1, suffered one of the most incredible collapses in recent cricketing history — losing 7 wickets for just 5 runs to end their innings at a shocking 105/8.
⚡ Match Summary: From Stability to Sudden Collapse
Everything was going according to plan for Bangladesh. After restricting Sri Lanka to a modest total of 234/8 on a slow-turning surface, the chase began on a steady note. Openers Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das stitched a composed start, and when the score reached 100/1 in the 23rd over, it appeared Bangladesh had the game in the bag.
However, what followed was nothing short of a bowling masterclass from Sri Lanka’s spin arsenal. The lights came on, and so did the demons in the pitch — or rather, the demons in Bangladesh’s batting order. Within the span of 30 balls, the scoreline transformed from dominance to disaster.
🔥 Key Bowling Performance: The Spinners Unleashed
The spin trio — Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dunith Wellalage — completely dismantled the middle order. Hasaranga’s clever variations and Wellalage’s sharp turn exploited the conditions perfectly.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: 4/21 in 8 overs
- Dunith Wellalage: 2/18 in 6 overs
- Theekshana: 1/22 in 9 overs
The turning point came when Mushfiqur Rahim tried to sweep Hasaranga and was caught plumb in front. That dismissal triggered panic, and Bangladesh couldn’t recover from the shockwaves that followed.
📉 Collapse Timeline: Ball-by-Ball Breakdown
Here’s how the stunning collapse unfolded:
- 100/1 – Litton Das lbw b Hasaranga
- 102/2 – Shakib Al Hasan c & b Wellalage
- 103/3 – Mushfiqur Rahim lbw b Hasaranga
- 103/4 – Mahmudullah c slip b Wellalage
- 104/5 – Afif Hossain b Theekshana
- 104/6 – Mehidy Hasan stumped
- 105/7 – Taskin Ahmed run out
- 105/8 – End of innings due to overs
🎯 Sri Lanka’s Batting Effort: Steady Foundation
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka’s batters displayed grit and patience. Opener Pathum Nissanka laid the platform with a fluent 67, while middle-order contributions from Asalanka and Shanaka ensured a competitive total of 234. Despite tight bowling from Bangladesh’s seamers, the Sri Lankan innings never lost control.
🌙 Impact of Lights and Dew
The moment the floodlights were turned on, the match shifted dramatically. The pitch, which looked relatively flat during the first innings, began assisting spin with unexpected grip and turn. The lack of application from Bangladesh’s batters under these conditions only added to their downfall.
📌 Post-Match Reactions
Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka’s captain, praised the bowlers: “We always knew we had the attack to pull it back. Once we got one wicket, we just kept attacking. This is one of our most satisfying wins.”
In contrast, Shakib Al Hasan admitted disappointment: “We were cruising, but we collapsed mentally. Credit to Sri Lanka’s spinners – they bowled brilliantly.”
📊 Statistical Highlights
- Bangladesh lost 6 wickets for 5 runs in 23 balls.
- Sri Lanka’s spinners took 7 wickets for just 33 runs.
- Bangladesh’s 105/8 is one of their lowest scores after crossing 100 with 1 wicket down.
🧠 Expert Analysis
Analysts and former cricketers hailed this game as a “textbook example of pressure cricket”. It showcased how quickly momentum can shift, and the importance of adapting under lights and spin-friendly conditions.
Michael Vaughan tweeted: “This is why cricket is the most unpredictable sport. 100/1 to 105/8 – incredible from Sri Lanka.”
🚀 What This Win Means for Sri Lanka
This win boosts Sri Lanka’s position on the points table and injects massive confidence into their squad. More importantly, it reaffirms their reputation as a lethal team when playing in spin-friendly conditions — especially under lights.
📌 Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a win — it was a psychological demolition. The scenes of celebration in the Sri Lankan camp spoke volumes about the intensity of their comeback. For Bangladesh, this will remain a haunting memory and a tough lesson in composure, shot selection, and temperament under pressure.
In the end, it was a match that will be remembered for its drama, for the collapse, and for Sri Lanka’s roaring comeback — a true spectacle of modern cricket.