Galle: Bangladesh regained control of the first Test through a resolute batting performance before off-spinner Nayeem Hasan cracked the game open with a five-wicket haul on an eventful Day 4 at Galle International Cricket Stadium today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nayeem claimed 5-121, denying Sri Lanka a lead in the game after which batters, led by opener Shadman Islam and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, showed unflinching resolve to help Bangladesh reach 177-3 in its second innings at stumps. Shanto was batting on 56, following his 148 in the first innings, with veteran Mushfiqur Rahim on 22 as Bangladesh extended its lead to 187.
With the pitch expected to deteriorate on the final day, Bangladesh looked the only team poised to win the game. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 485 in reply to Bangladesh’s 495 all out, but they were seemingly heading toward a healthy lead with Kamindu Mendis batting steadily. However, in the post-lunch session, Nayeem Hasan put the brakes on their innings to help Bangladesh take the lead and complete his fourth five-for in Test cricket.
Resuming the day on 368-4, Sri Lanka faced a setback in the morning session when Bangladesh struck twice. Nayeem Hasan spun one past Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, who added just two runs to his overnight total of 17. Hasan Mahmud then delivered a crucial blow by dismissing Kusal Mendis, who edged a delivery behind for 5.
After taking those two wickets in just seven overs and 18 runs, Bangladesh appeared to be on top as Sri Lanka’s tail was exposed. Rathnayake showed composure and provided Kamindu Mendis with support to deny Bangladesh further breakthroughs. A lead for Sri Lanka seemed imminent, but Hasan Mahmud got the breakthrough by rattling the stumps of Rathnayake for 39, ending a gritty 84-run partnership.
In the next over, Nayeem removed Mendis for 87, after which Sri Lanka managed only four more overs before conceding the lead. Mahmud ended with 3-74, while Taijul Islam and Mominul Haque took one wicket apiece.
Shadman then demonstrated the composure needed to weather the Sri Lankan spin attack as the pitch began to deteriorate, making batting tougher. Left-arm Prabath Jayasuriya made the breakthrough by dismissing opener Anamul Haque Bijoy, who was out for a duck in the first innings. Tharindu Rathnayake then dismissed Mominul Haque for 14 before Shadman and Shanto added 68 runs to maintain Bangladesh’s momentum.
Rathnayake trapped Shadman leg-before for 76, but Shanto and Mushfiqur saw off the day to firmly put Bangladesh on top.