BAN vs SL | 2nd Test Day 2 | Lankans take command despite hosts’ rearguard fightback

Sri Lanka launched an all-out attack on Bangladesh after the home side finished strongly on 277-5 on Day 1. The visitors quickly mopped up the tail, courtesy of nine wickets divided between Lankan pacers Kasun Rajitha and Asitha Fernando.

Bangladesh’s first innings saw as many as six ducks. Mushfiqur Rahim’s unbeaten 175 and Liton Das’ rebellious 141 meant that the two contributed more than 86% of their team’s 365-run total. 17 runs in extras were the next highest scorer, as only one other batter, tailender Taijul Islam, managed a double-digit score for the home side.

The Sri Lankan openers, Oshada Fernando and captain Dimuth Karunaratne, arrived at the crease in the afternoon session with full intent. The duo put on a 95-run opening stand after Fernando, who scored a fluent 57, edged one to first slip. On the other end, his captain went on with the fight and remained unbeaten until the close of play.

Sri Lanka’s number three batter Kusal Mendis was the next to fall, getting trapped in front of stumps by Shakib Al Hasan during the twilight stages of the day. Later, the nightwatchman Kasun Rajitha survived 11 deliveries to ensure his side ended Day 2 without further damage.

Captain Karunaratne played the innings of the day with his unbeaten 70. Facing 127 balls so far, he punished seven of them with elegant boundaries. His innings powered the tourists to 143-2, thus bringing the first-innings deficit to 222 runs.

The match currently being played at Mirpur is also the decider of the two-match series after the opening Test match ended in a draw.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh 365 all out (1st innings)

Mushfiqur Rahim 175*, Liton Das 141;

Kasun Rajitha 5/64, Asitha Fernando 4/93

Sri Lanka 143-2 (1st innings)

Dimuth Karunaratne 70*, Oshada Fernando 57;

Shakib Al Hasan 1/19, Ebadot Hossain 1/31

Sri Lanka trail by 222 runs.