In a promising batting display, Bangladesh’s Sadman Islam reached his sixth Test fifty as the team’s lead crossed the 100-run mark against Sri Lanka in the ongoing Galle Test.
After 36 overs in the second innings, Bangladesh stand at 112 for 2 wickets, with Sadman unbeaten on 68 and captain Najmul Shanto on 25. The pair has added an unbroken 52 runs for the third wicket, stabilizing the innings after early setbacks.
Earlier, Bangladesh posted a strong total of 495 in the first innings, thanks to commanding centuries from Najmul Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim. Sri Lanka responded with 485, leaving Bangladesh with a slender 10-run lead.
In the second innings, Bangladesh’s top order saw early departures as Enamul Haque Bijoy and Mominul Haque failed to make significant contributions. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, lost two wickets for 65 runs after 22 overs, with Sadman anchoring the innings.
Sri Lanka’s hopes of a substantial recovery suffered a blow as key batsmen Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis fell early on day four.
Kamindu Mendis narrowly missed out on a century, dismissed for 87. Bangladesh’s off-spinner Naeem Hasan wreaked havoc, claiming five wickets in the innings. Post-lunch, Sri Lanka lost four wickets for just 20 runs, with Naeem taking three of them.
The visitors’ opener Pathum Nishanka’s bid for a double century was thwarted by Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud. Nishanka scored a resilient 187 off 256 balls before being bowled at day’s end, his innings highlighted by 23 fours and a six.
Bangladesh’s strong first innings was anchored by Mushfiqur Rahim’s 163 and Najmul Shanto’s 148. Litton Das narrowly missed a century, scoring 90 before falling to a disciplined bowling attack. Sri Lankan pacers Asitha Fernando and Milan Rathnayake took multiple wickets, supported by spinner Tharindu Rathnayake’s three-wicket haul.
As the match progresses, Bangladesh look well-placed to extend their lead and push for a decisive result.
HKJ
