After a high-scoring draw in the opening Test, which was also the farewell match of Angelo Mathews, the second Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has been dominated by the hosts. Sri Lanka have powered their way in and have been quite superb after Day 2. Pathum Nissanka, the wrecker-in-chief, has continued his purple patch, remaining unbeaten at 146*, while Dinesh Chandimal felt agonisingly short of a much-deserved hundred.
Taijul adds late resistance for Bangladesh
Bangladesh began Day 2 hoping to push their total beyond 250 but fell short as Sri Lanka wrapped up the tail quickly. Resuming on 220/8, they lost Ebadot Hossain early to Asitha Fernando, who trapped him LBW. However, Taijul Islam fought back with a spirited 33, playing some inventive strokes before falling to debutant Sonal Dinusha, who finished with impressive figures of 3/22. Bangladesh were bowled out for 247.
Solid start by Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka responded confidently. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara negotiated the new ball with fluency, adding 88 for the first wicket. They started with great intent, scoring 54 runs in just 9 overs. Both batters found boundaries regularly, with Udara flicking and driving against pace and spin. Eventually, it was Taijul again who provided the breakthrough, trapping Udara LBW for 40 after a successful review.
Following Udara’s dismissal, Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal batted with authority, frustrating the Bangladesh bowlers. Nissanka reached his fifty shortly after lunch and looked composed throughout, even after taking a blow to the helmet from Nahid Rana. Chandimal brought up his 34th Test fifty with a six. The duo’s 194-run stand took Sri Lanka into the lead with ease.
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