In the second innings of their second Test match against Bangladesh in Chattogram, Sri Lanka declared their innings at 157/7 and set a goal of 510 runs.
On the fourth day of the second Test, Sri Lanka was hoping to recover from losing wickets in Chattogram quickly in their second innings. The bowlers from Bangladesh gave the hosts an early advantage, taking six wickets before the hosts could reach the 100-run mark.
It was up to the overnight Sri Lankan batsmen, Angelo Mathews and Prabath Jayasuriya, to get the visitors back on track and help them set a challenging score. Batting at 39*, Mathews swiftly reached his 40th Test fifty before being caught off guard by a stunning off-break delivery from Shakib Al Hasan.
Just 16 deliveries were completed by Vishwa Fernando after he joined Jayasuriya before Dhananjaya Silva called the batting over. Jayasuriya, who is still 28 years old, had a strong cameo. The Sri Lankan team was thrilled with the aim they had set and were confident they could deal them some early blows.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan had the responsibility of starting the game strong for the hosts and setting the tone for the remainder of it when they batted. Joy has consistently played poorly and was the first wicket to fall with only 24 runs scored. With a breakthrough, Jayasuriya removed Joy’s middle stump. After Joy was bowled out for just 19 runs by Vishwa Fernando, Hasan struck a fifty in the opening innings.
It was up to left-hand hitter Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto to pull the squad out of these two consecutive losses. While Shanto was the victim of Lahiru Kumara’s outstanding triumph and the Sri Lankan captain’s bowling change proved to be beneficial, both hitters began cautiously and attempted to maintain the run rate.
Shakib Al Hasan entered the game to assist the young batter as Haque was attempting to hold one innings. Haque quickly reached his fifty while playing a strong inning. However, it didn’t take the Sri Lankan team long to get rid of him. Shakib tried to have a strong innings but was not as successful as Kamindu.
The seasoned Litton Das was also in fine form and was forming a strong alliance with his more seasoned colleague, but he was dismissed before he could spend much time at the crease. The new batsmen, Shahadat Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, were both hitting the ball effectively and put together a 46-run partnership before Hossain was out for the day.
The last day of the Test match will see Taijul Islam and Miraz take the batting. Bangladesh needs to win this Test match with 243 runs. While the hosts are hoping to tie the series at one through a comeback. After winning the first Test match in Sylhet, the visitors are hoping for a repeat performance to win the series.
Brief results: Hasan Mahmud 4/65, Angelo Mathews 56, Sri Lanka 157/7d in 40 overs
Bangladesh: (Mominul Haque 50, Kamindu Mendis 2/22) 268/7 in 67 overs
