CHITTAGONG: Sri Lanka tightened their grip on the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Tuesday, edging closer to yet another commanding victory.
At the close of play on the fourth day, Bangladesh found themselves at 268-7, still requiring a daunting 243 runs for an unlikely win. Despite a valiant effort from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who remained unbeaten on 44, and Taijul Islam, not out on 10, the hosts faced an uphill battle to save a draw.
Mominul Haque’s resilient half-century was the lone bright spot for Bangladesh, but his dismissal by spinner Prabath Jayasuriya dealt a significant blow to their hopes before the tea break.
Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das briefly revived Bangladesh’s fortunes with a partnership of 61 runs, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck back, with Kamindu Mendis and Lahiru Kumara breaking crucial partnerships to keep the visitors in control.
Sri Lanka’s coach, Chris Silverwood, acknowledged Bangladesh’s spirited fightback, crediting them for putting pressure on his team’s bowlers. Despite Bangladesh’s resilience, Silverwood expressed confidence in his side’s strong position, emphasizing the importance of consistency in their performance.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka, resuming at 102-6, added 55 runs to their overnight total before declaring at 157-7. Angelo Mathews led the charge with a determined half-century, while debutant Hasan Mahmud impressed with four wickets for Bangladesh.
However, Sri Lanka faced adversity off the field as well, with Dinesh Chandimal absent from the playing XI due to a family emergency.
Having dominated the first Test at Sylhet, where they secured a commanding victory by 328 runs, Sri Lanka aimed to maintain their unbeaten record against Bangladesh in Test series.
