CHITTAGONG: Sri Lanka amassed a record-breaking 531 runs in their first innings of the second Test against Bangladesh on Sunday, setting the stage for an imposing lead. However, Kamindu Mendis narrowly missed the opportunity to achieve a rare feat of scoring three centuries in consecutive Test innings.
Bangladesh, in response, ended the day at 55-1, still trailing Sri Lanka by a substantial 476 runs. Opener Zakir Hasan remained unbeaten on 28 alongside nightwatchman Taijul Islam after Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell to Lahiru Kumara’s delivery for 21.
Mendis, who was on the brink of history with a score of 92 not out, saw his hopes dashed when last man Asitha Fernando was run out for a duck, leaving him eight runs short of becoming only the fourth Sri Lankan to achieve three centuries in consecutive innings.
Notably, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup displayed remarkable strength, with six batsmen crossing the half-century mark, including Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Dimuth Karunaratne, and Nishan Madhushka. However, Mendis’s near miss remained a focal point of the day’s play.
Bangladesh, facing a formidable Sri Lankan side, struggled as Sri Lanka’s bowlers toiled to maintain their dominance. Shakib Al Hasan emerged as the standout performer for Bangladesh, claiming 3-110.
Despite a valiant effort by Bangladesh, Sri Lanka’s commanding performance on the second day underscored their historical dominance over their opponents. With the first Test already won by Sri Lanka in Sylhet, they are well on their way to securing yet another Test series victory against Bangladesh.
