Bangladesh fight but Sri Lanka close in on series sweep

Led by an attacking half-century from Mominul Haque and useful contributions from Shakib Al Hasan (36), Litton Das (38) and Mehidy Hasan (44*), Bangladesh produced a defiant act of resistance on the fourth day of the second Test against Sri Lanka, but the visitors continued to remain in the driver’s seat in Chhatogram. The hosts reached stumps on Tuesday on 268 for 7, still needing 243 runs to win the Test and level the series.

Angelo Mathews and Prabath Jayasuriya, who had averted a batting collapse for Sri Lanka on the third day, added 30 runs to their overnight stand before the former departed soon after notching up his half-century. A classic left-arm spinner’s delivery by Shakib had Mathews prodding forward and beaten on the outside edge with a turner. Jayasuriya and Fernando held the fort for a few more minutes before Sri Lanka decided to declare their second innings on 157 for 7, leaving the hosts a target of 512 to chase with more than five sessions of play.

Bangladesh came with a fairly aggressive approach to go after the total. Mahmudul Hasan and Zakir Hasan were busy at the crease, constantly looking to turn the strike over. An edge to a pull and a slap to a wide delivery got them a couple of boundaries and helped them reach 31 for no loss at lunch. Early into the second session, Mahmudul went down the track to Jayasuriya and hit him for a boundary through the long on region. Nonetheless, the spinner had the last laugh, cleaning up the batter three balls later with an arm delivery.

A few overs later, Vishwa Fernando had Zakir caught at first slip and reduced Bangladesh to 51 for 2 after a steady start by the openers. While Najmul Hossain remained cautious with his strokeplay, Mominul didn’t hold back on the boundary-scoring opportunities. He got going by sweeping Jayasuriya for a boundary off the second ball of his innings, and three deliveries later came down the track against the spinner and smacked him for a six.

He continued the attack even against Vishwa Fernando as the hosts picked some quick runs. However, Lahiru Kumara pegged them back by cleaning up Shanto and then having Shakib hit on the helmet with a short delivery. While that shook the southpaw, he continued to offer support to Mominul as the duo asserted themselves in the middle. The partnership didn’t last long though, as right after getting to his half-century, Mominul top-edged a sweep and fell to Jayasuriya in the last over before Tea.

Shakib and Litton Das took control of Bangladesh’s chase for most part of the first hour of the final session. The duo put on a 61-run stand for the fifth wicket, but yet again when a partnership seemed promising, Sri Lanka hit back. Both the batters fell in quick succession; Shakib edging Kamindu Mendis to the slip fielder and Litton toe-ending a widish short delivery to the ‘keeper.

Despite the twin burst, which reduced Bangladesh to 195 for 6, Mehidy Hasan kept the attacking approach going. He had the support of Shahdat Hossain and Taijul Islam as his seven boundaries helped Bangladesh to 268 for 7 at stumps.

Brief Scores:Sri Lanka 531 & 157/7 decl. Angelo Mathews (56; Hasan Mahmud (4-65)) led Bangladesh to 178 & 268/7