Bangladesh’s hopes of salvaging a draw in the second Test against Sri Lanka dwindled on day three in Sylhet as they collapsed to 43 for 5, needing an improbable 464 runs to win.
Sri Lanka’s lower middle order had earlier extended their dominance, with Kamindu Mendis scoring 164 and Dhananjaya de Silva completing his second century of the match. Their 173-run partnership transformed Sri Lanka’s position from a comfortable lead to an utterly dominant one.
Bangladesh’s quicks struggled to make an impact on a pitch that still rewarded high-quality seam bowling. Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha shared the wickets, but it was Vishwa who impressed with his movement through the air and late swing.
Bangladesh’s batting implosion began with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s reckless dismissal, throwing his bat at a wide delivery. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shahadat Hossain also fell cheaply to Vishwa’s accurate bowling.
Litton Das’s dismissal was the most frustrating for Bangladesh. After keeping wicket all day, he ran down the track and hoicked a delivery from Kumara straight to cover.
Sri Lanka’s quicks maintained their discipline, bowling testing lines and exploiting the pitch’s bounce and pace. Bangladesh’s spinners were unable to find purchase off the wicket, and the hosts’ batting lineup crumbled under the pressure.
With just five wickets remaining and two scheduled days of play left, Sri Lanka are on the brink of a comprehensive victory. Rain is forecast for Monday afternoon, but the weather in Sylhet is otherwise conducive for cricket.
