Colombo: Bangladesh are looking to seal a Test series victory against Sri Lanka for the first time when they take on the hosts in the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground. The match starts at 10.30am (Bangladesh Time).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the first Test in Galle ended in a draw after Bangladesh dominated a large portion of the game. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto hit centuries in both innings, becoming only the 15th batter in the world to achieve such a feat more than once. Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim also shone with scores of 163 and 49, rediscovering his form after 13 consecutive innings without a fifty.
Liton Das contributed 90 runs in the first innings, overcoming his recent struggles. The batting lineup, historically a weak spot for Bangladesh, performed well, complemented by a strong showing from the bowlers, giving the side a legitimate chance to win.
There was widespread belief that Bangladesh could have secured a victory in the first Test with a more aggressive approach. Criticism arose suggesting Mushfiqur and Shanto played for personal achievements rather than prioritizing the team’s success.
Amidst the criticism, Skipper Shanto clarified their intention was to eliminate any chance of a defeat. He highlighted that unexpected rain on Day 5 disrupted their initial plan. “I can assure you that no one in our dressing room plays for personal milestones. We couldn’t execute the decision we had taken because of the rain,” he stated. “And the wicket didn’t break up as we expected. That’s why we didn’t declare at that time.”
The SSC ground in Colombo is known for producing results, with 31 of the 45 Tests played there having ended decisively. Bangladesh have never won at this venue, losing all three previous Tests by significant margins. The ground, however, holds a special memory for Bangladesh, as Mohammad Ashraful scored a century on debut here in 2001, becoming the youngest Test centurion.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who missed the first Test due to illness, will play in this match, providing a significant boost for Bangladesh. His return is crucial as the SSC pitch favours spinners, and Mehidy is expected to offer the necessary balance to the team.
The spinners have historically accounted for 51.92% of the wickets at SSC, with pacers taking 48.08%. Muthiah Muralitharan remains the top wicket-taker at the venue with 166. Bangladesh handled the Sri Lankan spinners effectively in the first Test, which boosts their confidence further. However, Prabath Jayasuriya, who took eight wickets in Sri Lanka’s victory against Afghanistan last year, remains a key threat.
Sri Lanka has also struggled against visiting spinners recently. In 2022, Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed and Nouman Ali outperformed Sri Lanka at this venue, offering Bangladesh a morale boost.
Colombo holds a special place in Bangladesh’s cricket history, as they won their 100th Test there in 2017, marking their only Test victory over Sri Lanka, although at a different venue, the P Sara Oval. In 27 meetings, Bangladesh have drawn six and lost 20 matches against Sri Lanka.
Shanto believes they can alter this record if they perform to their potential. “We know Sri Lanka is one of the toughest opposition for us and our record is not good against them,” Shanto said. “But still if we can play our top cricket in all three departments, we can beat any team in the world.”
With Miraz returning, Bangladesh is expected to make a change in their lineup, potentially replacing Anamul Haque Bijoy, who scored 0 and 4 in the first Test, as the opener.
Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice-Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Murad, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Syed Khaled Ahmed.
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya De Silva (c), Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Dunith Wellalage, Pavan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Ratnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Isitha Wijesundara