Colombo: Bangladesh struggled to keep Sri Lankan bowling at bay as they reached 144-5 at tea on Day 1 of the second and final cricket Test at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo today. Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim was batting on 34 at the second interval of the day with Mehidy Hasan Miraz yet to score.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh received a setback early in the day when opener Anamul Haque Bijoy was dismissed for a 10-ball duck. His three innings in Sri Lanka now read 0, 4, and 0. He once again found himself struggling at the crease as the Sri Lankan bowlers moved and swung the ball in the air admirably. His 10-ball struggle finally ended when he dragged one onto his stump after pacer Asitha Fernando bowled a back-of-length delivery that nipped back in.
Shadman also looked in clear discomfort initially, but Mominul Haque’s solid approach gradually took the pressure off him. Mominul played with utmost confidence until he pushed a width delivery from Dhananjaya de Silva straight to cover. He hit three fours for his 39-ball 21. However, rain arrived shortly after the lunch session, delaying the game for almost two hours.
After the rain break, Bangladesh was dealt a double blow as they lost set batter Shadman Islam and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto in consecutive overs. Shadman approached his second 50 in as many Tests but fell short by four runs when Tharindu Rathnayake had him caught by Dhananjaya de Silva with a sharp turn for 46. Pacer Vishwa Fernando was then rewarded for his excellent consistency with the wicket of Shanto, who edged a moving delivery behind for 8.
Liton and Mushfiqur Rahim then appeared to be in control, but debutant Sonal Dinush dismissed Liton for his maiden wicket to end the 67-run partnership on the stroke of tea. Liton scored 34 off 56 balls with two fours and one six.