Despite experiencing a batting collapse on Day 3 of the final Test on April 1, Sri Lanka has strengthened its prospects of sweeping the two-Test series against Bangladesh.
Following a substantial lead in the first innings, Sri Lanka concluded Day 3 at 102 for six, significantly extending their overall advantage to 455 runs. Despite bowling out Bangladesh for a mere 178, the visiting team opted against enforcing the follow-on.
Fast bowler Asitha Fernando impressed with figures of four for 34 as Bangladesh suffered their third consecutive dismissal for fewer than 200 runs. Vishwa Fernando, his fellow opener, contributed with two wickets for 38 runs, which included the crucial dismissal of Zakir Hasan, who top-scored with 54 after Bangladesh had resumed on 55 for one.
The home side faced a setback when skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, batting on 1, edged a delivery straight to short mid-wicket off left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya (2-65).
Following his earlier success, Vishwa Fernando removed nightwatchman Taijul Islam for 22. Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained a disciplined line, and Asitha Fernando capitalized with two wickets in a single over.
Making his return to Test cricket after a year, the formidable Shakib Al Hasan fell victim to a sharp inswinger, adjudged lbw for 15.
Liton Das managed to strike Asitha for a boundary off his second delivery, but the bowler swiftly retaliated with a short-of-a-length delivery that induced an outside edge.
Soon after, Shahadat Hossain fell prey to Kamindu Mendis’ catch off fast bowler Lahiru Kumara (2-19) for 8.
Mehidy Hasan found himself dismissed lbw by Jayasuriya for 7 before Asitha concluded the Bangladesh innings by claiming the wickets of Mominul Haque (33) and Syed Khaled Ahmed for 1.
Another flurry of wickets ensued as Sri Lanka batted in their second innings, with Bangladesh fast bowlers Hasan Mahmud (4-51) and Khaled Ahmed (2-29) making significant breakthroughs.
By stumps, Angelo Mathews remained unbeaten on 39 while Jayasuriya stood firm on 3.
Sri Lanka secured victory in the first Test by a commanding margin of 328 runs.
