Nuwan Thushara’s outstanding performance in the T20 series decider against Bangladesh led Sri Lanka to a resounding victory. Thushara’s maiden over hat-trick and 5-20 bowling figures, combined with Kusal Mendis’ career-best 86 runs, secured an impressive win for the visitors.

In the final match of the series, Bangladesh was bowled out for 146 runs in the last over in Sylhet. Despite late resistance from Rishad Hossain and Taskin Ahmed, who scored 53 and 31 respectively, Sri Lanka’s dominance was evident. Mendis played a crucial role in setting up the victory with his 55-ball innings, including six fours and six sixes, guiding Sri Lanka to a total of 174-7 after being put in to bat by the tourists.

Thushara’s exceptional performance included dismissing skipper Najmul Hossain and Towhid Hridoy off consecutive deliveries in his first over. He completed the hat-trick by getting Mahmudullah Riyad out lbw. Reflecting on his achievement, Thushara expressed his delight, stating, “I’m really happy, it was the first hat-trick in my life. In a match like this, I’m just pleased to be able to help the team.”

Sri Lanka’s dominance continued as Thushara struck again, removing Soumya Sarkar to leave the hosts struggling at 25-5. Despite a valiant effort from Rishad, Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana ended his innings. Rishad’s maiden T20 fifty included seven sixes, while Taskin also contributed with a brief cameo, hitting two consecutive sixes off Thushara’s bowling.

Thushara was rightfully awarded the Man of the Match for his exceptional performance, which played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s victory in the T20 series decider.