SL vs BAN: Mahedi Hasan shatters Harbhajan Singh’s 13-year-old record with stunning 4/11 in Colombo T20I

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Bangladesh off-spinner Mahedi Hasan produced a spellbinding performance in the third and final T20I against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on July 16. Playing in a high-stakes decider, Mahedi’s unrelenting accuracy and turn helped Bangladesh dominate the powerplay, reducing the hosts to early strife. He picked up four crucial wickets in his four-over spell, conceding just 11 runs, and was the chief architect behind Sri Lanka’s top-order collapse. Replacing Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the XI, Mahedi seized the opportunity with remarkable composure and control. With this performance, he entered the record books, not just for Bangladesh, but on the global T20I stage. His lethal spell laid the foundation for a memorable win and a historic personal milestone.

Mahedi’s incredible figures of 4/11 in four overs are now the best by any visiting bowler in T20Is at the R Premadasa Stadium, surpassing the previous mark held by Harbhajan Singh. Harbhajan had registered 4/12 in four overs against England in theT20 World Cup 2012, a record that stood unchallenged for over a decade. Mahedi’s spell not only bettered that by conceding one run fewer but also showcased his efficiency by bowling a maiden over,  an exceptional feat in modern-day T20 cricket. His performance also pushed him into an elite list of overseas bowlers to excel in Colombo, eclipsing the likes of Josh Hazlewood (4/16 in 2022) and Joe Denly (4/19 in 2018). It was a complete display of tactical intelligence and execution under pressure, as Mahedi consistently beat the bat and varied his pace on a pitch where timing proved difficult. His 50th T20I wicket came in the same spell, further underlining the significance of the occasion for both the player and Bangladesh cricket.

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In addition to scripting history at the venue, Mahedi  also set a new national benchmark for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka in T20 internationals. His 4/11 is now the best bowling performance by a Bangladesh bowler against the island nation, overtaking Mustafizur Rahman’s 4/21 from 2017. The list of top figures previously included names like Rishad Hossain (3/18), Shakib Al Hasan (3/24) and Al-Amin Hossain (3/34), but Mahedi’s economy, control, and ability to pick top-order wickets elevated his spell above the rest.

Each of his dismissals came at critical junctures: Kusal Perera was bowled off the first delivery he faced; Dinesh Chandimal fell just as he began to settle; Charith Asalanka was outfoxed by flight and dip; and Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka’s mainstay, was castled to complete the demolition. By combining impact with precision, Mahedi carved a spot for himself among Bangladesh’s finest T20 performers.

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