Bangladesh rally in enthralling battle
You would be forgiven for thinking that after their wobble at the end of day two that Bangladesh would tamely capitulate to allow Sri Lanka to take control of the second Test in Colombo but the Tigers had other ideas.
A century from allrounder Shakib-al-Hasan helped power Bangladesh to a 129 run first innings lead at the P Sara oval though and set up a fascinating final two days.
The 129 run first innings advantage is a new record for Bangladesh who are playing in their 100th Test with their previous best coming against Zimbabwe in 2013.
Shakib (116) was complimented by a timely half-century for skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (52) who would have been feeling the heat after the BCB President put him on notice ahead of the Test.
Debutant Mossadek Hossain played a fine knock of 75 after the skipper was bowled by Suranga Lakmal and put on 131 with Shakib to put Bangladesh on top.
Bangladesh will be happy that there were contributions all the way down the order with seven batsmen going past thirty for the first time ever for the Asian nation.
A useful 24 from Mehedi Hasan would help the Tigers add some bonus runs at the tail-end of their innings. Rangana Herath and Lakshan Sandakan took four wickets apiece with the latter going past 1000 first class wickets on day three.
Sri Lanka’s openers punched their way to 54 without loss by the close with both Upul Tharanga and Dimuth Karunaratne ending on 25 not out.
Bangladesh’s lead has been cu8t to just 75 but the pitch may start to deteriorate as this match heads into the final two days.
Latest
-
NewsTom Westley proud after Essex come through challenging time to win another title
The Chelmsford side have dominated county cricket recently.
-
NewsEssex continue county cricket domination with Bob Willis Trophy success
The Chelmsford side now have a third title in four years.
-
NewsNat Sciver hoping her England heroics put cricket on the map for young females
England’s T20 against West Indies took centre stage on Saturday afternoon.
-
NewsEssex still have the advantage heading into final day despite Tom Lammonby ton
Essex will win the competition if the match is drawn after surpassing Somerset’s first-innings score.
-
NewsTom Lammonby leads Somerset charge after Essex earn first-innings lead at Lord’s
Lammonby was 94 not out at tea with Somerset on 159 for two – an advantage of 123 – in the Bob Willis Trophy final.
-
NewsEssex have the edge in Bob Willis Trophy final clash against Somerset
The Chelmsford-based team made the best score in their first innings at Lord’s.
-
NewsSir Alastair Cook’s brilliant 172 drags Essex towards Somerset total at Lord’s
The rest of Cook’s team-mates provided 99 further runs to Essex’s total, with six wickets down.
-
NewsDubai lighting gives Indian Premier League fielders a challenge
Shreyas Iyer was prepared to give his fielders some leeway after the Delhi Capitals spilt catches but MS Dhoni was having none of it.
-
NewsDhoni concedes that CSK have got their balance wrong
Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni says the team have missed Ambati Rayudu and haven’t got the balance of their XI correct.