Late blitz from Sakib helps Bangladesh post 248 after another batting collapse

Thanks to a quickfire cameo from Tanzim Hasan Sakib late in the innings, Bangladesh managed to post a total of 248 all out in 45.5 overs in the second ODI of the three-match series against hosts Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo today.

Had it not been for a 30-run partnership for the final wicket between pacers Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman, the Tigers' total could have been considerably lower. Sakib remained unbeaten on 33 off 21 deliveries, striking two fours and two sixes, while Mustafizur survived seven balls without scoring.

It was yet another batting collapse that derailed Bangladesh's innings — they lost four wickets for just 24 runs before Sakib's late resistance helped them reach a competitive total.

Bangladesh had lost the opening ODI by 77 runs, after suffering an embarrassing collapse in which they lost seven wickets for just five runs — also at the same venue just two days ago. Unfortunately, a similar trend continued today, as batters once again failed to capitalise on promising starts.

Earlier in the innings, several partnerships were formed, but none of the batters were able to convert their starts into significant scores — a recurring issue for the Tigers across formats.

Opener Parvez Hossain Emon (67 off 69) and Towhid Hridoy (51 off 69) both registered fifties before the collapse set in.