Sri Lanka Stages Comeback, Bangladesh Falters After Rain

GALLE: On the second day of the first Test held at Galle International Stadium on Wednesday, Sri Lanka displayed resilience with their bowling, restricting Bangladesh to 484/9.

The visiting team, having started their first innings at 292/3 with Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim at the crease, initially enjoyed a fruitful day, adding 192 runs but losing six wickets.

However, a two-hour rain break disrupted their momentum, allowing the Sri Lankan side, spearheaded by Milan Rathnayake, to dismantle their middle and lower order.

Bangladesh seemed secure at 458/4 with Rahim and Litton Das well-established, but Rahim’s dismissal in the 141st over by Asitha Fernando triggered a significant collapse, resulting in the loss of five wickets for just 36 runs.

Rahim emerged as Bangladesh’s highest scorer with a remarkable 163 from 350 balls, including nine boundaries.

Shanto, his partner from the previous day, contributed a significant 148 off 279 deliveries, adorned with 15 fours and one six, before being dismissed in the morning session.

Following Shanto’s departure, Das provided valuable support to Rahim, contributing 90 off 123 balls, punctuated by a dozen boundaries including a six, during their 149-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, and Tharindu Rathnayake each claimed three wickets for Sri Lanka.

Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana, both yet to score, are set to continue Bangladesh’s first innings from 484/9 on the third day.