Najmul Hossain Shanto struck a brilliant unbeaten fifty to help Bangladesh level the series against Sri Lanka after the hosts clinched an eight-wicket win during the second T20I at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Najmul struck 53 off 32 balls not out while Liton Das (36) TawhidHridoy (32 not out) and SoumyaSarkar (26) also made brilliant contributions as Bangladesh reached 170-2 in just 18.1 overs without any hassle to level the series 1-1.

Earlier, Bangladeshi bowlers showcased a more disciplined bowling performance from their opening three-run defeat game as they restricted the visitors to 165-5 in their 20 overs after they opted to bowl first.

Sri Lankan number three Kamindu Mendis made the highest 37 off 27 balls while opener KusalMendis and experienced Angelo Mathews scored 36 and 32 not out respectively.