Published : 26 Jun 2025, 01:30 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 01:26 PM
Bangladesh’s batters have squandered several solid starts and slumped to 220 for 8 on a rain-disrupted opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the SSC Ground in Colombo.
After opting to bat first on what was expected to be a batting-friendly pitch, the tourists were repeatedly pegged back by a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack, despite six players reaching 20 or more.
At the close of play, Taijul Islam (9*) and Ebadot Hossain (5*) were at the crease, as the Tigers were left to reflect on a day of missed opportunities.
Shadman Islam led the scoring with 46, narrowly missing out on back-to-back half-centuries after his gritty knock in Galle.
His dismissal — chasing a wide delivery from off-spinner Tharindu Rathnayake (1-63) — came just before a lengthy rain delay and typified Bangladesh’s tendency to self-destruct.
Sri Lanka seized the early momentum by reducing Bangladesh to 76 for 4, but the visitors briefly rallied in the post-lunch session.
Mushfiqur Rahim (37) and Litton Das (36) put on 67 brisk runs for the fifth wicket at more than four an over, raising hopes of a revival.
However, both fell in quick succession to debutant Sonal Dinusha, whose left-arm spin brought crucial breakthroughs.
The 24-year-old marked his Test debut with an assured spell, opening with three consecutive maidens and finishing the day with 2 for 22.
Despite Sri Lanka’s sloppiness in the field — dropping five catches and missing a clear run-out — Bangladesh failed to capitalise.
Poor shot selection undermined their efforts, with Mominul Haque (21) gifting his wicket with a tame drive to cover, while Mushfiqur perished attempting an ambitious slog sweep.
Nayeem Hasan provided some lower-order resistance with a dogged 25 off 51 balls before being bowled by Asitha Fernando.
Both he and Vishwa Fernando finished with two wickets apiece, supported by a consistent attack that blended pace and spin effectively.
Maintaining tight lines and a nagging length, Sri Lanka’s bowlers built pressure with dot-ball accumulation, forcing Bangladesh into a series of avoidable mistakes.
With two wickets remaining and a long tail exposed, the visitors will need a strong second morning to avoid conceding early control.
