Galle Test: Bangladesh securing a big Lead with Shadman, Najmul hit fifties
SportsDesk
Bangladesh continues to exert pressure on the hosts in the Galle Test. At the end of day four, the tourists have ensured a lead of 187 runs with seven wickets in hand.
It is clear that the match is going to end in a draw unless something dramatic happens on the last day. That said, Bangladesh have done their best over 57 overs of second-innings batting to take the possibility of a Sri Lankan victory off the table.
If they can avoid a collapse early on day five, a push for a win — however unlikely — cannot be entirely ruled out.
Bangladesh had secured a tiny 10-run lead after both teams' first innings. And then they scored 177 for three to end day four.
Opener Shadman Islam and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hit a fifty each. While Shadman was out for 76, Shanto remained unbeaten for 56.
Along with him, Mushfiqur Rahim also remained unbeaten for 22 after surviving some early nervous moments and settling in.
Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Rathnayake, and Milan Rathnayake took one wicket each for Sri Lanka. But the hosts struggled to find regular breakthroughs as the pitch, surprisingly, has not deteriorated much — offering little help to the spinners.
Sri Lanka ended their first innings at 485 with opener Pathum Nissanka hitting the highest of 187. Kamindu Mendis contributed with 87.
For Bangladesh, Nayeem Hasan secured a five-for — his fourth such feat in Test cricket.
Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and posted 495 thanks to centuries from Mushfiqur and Najmul.
