SL vs BAN Day 1 Stumps: Sri Lanka Seizes Control in Colombo
The SL vs BAN Day 1 Stumps report from the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo indicates a dominant performance by Sri Lanka’s bowlers, who effectively restricted Bangladesh to 220 for eight by the close of play. Despite a long rain stoppage that limited the day’s action to just 71 overs, Sri Lanka maximized the conditions and their bowling prowess to gain a significant upper hand. Play on Day 2 is scheduled to start 15 minutes early to compensate for the lost time. SL vs BAN Day 1 Stumps
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who had been a standout with twin centuries in the drawn first Test in Galle, won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping for a strong start on what is traditionally a good batting surface. However, the visitors endured a nervous and problematic beginning, losing their first wicket with the total on a mere five runs. Opening batter Anamul Haque failed to capitalize on a crucial reprieve when Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis dropped him off fast bowler Asitha Fernando. Fortunes quickly turned, and Haque was soon dismissed by the very same bowler just a few deliveries later, out for a duck. SL vs BAN Day 1 Stumps
Early Setbacks and Resilient Partnerships for Bangladesh
Following the early dismissal, Mominul Haque and Shadman Islam attempted to stabilize the innings, sharing a promising partnership of 38 runs. However, Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva brought himself into the attack and promptly removed Mominul (21), who was caught by substitute fielder Pawan Rathnayake. This left Bangladesh at 71 for two at lunch, a slightly precarious position given the batting-friendly reputation of the SSC.
The post-lunch session saw Sri Lanka tighten their grip even further. Fast bowler Vishwa Fernando was particularly incisive, claiming the prized wicket of Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who, after his heroics in the first Test, was caught behind by Mendis for just eight runs. This was a critical blow for Bangladesh. Off-spinner Tharindu Rathnayake then added to Bangladesh’s woes by having Shadman Islam caught by Dhananjaya de Silva for 46, which stood as the highest score of the innings for a considerable period. These quick breakthroughs left Bangladesh reeling at four down for 76, putting Sri Lanka firmly in the driver’s seat.
Sri Lanka, however, missed an opportunity to inflict further damage when Lahiru Udara dropped a catch offered by Mushfiqur Rahim in the deep when the veteran batter was on eight. This lapse proved costly for a while as Rahim and Litton Das then shared a valuable 67-run partnership for the fifth wicket, providing a much-needed period of stability and helping Bangladesh recover from their early collapses. SL vs BAN Day 1 Stumps
Debutant Shines and Late Strikes Seal the Day
The period after Tea truly belonged to Sri Lanka, highlighted by the impressive performance of debutant spinner Sonal Dinusha. The 24-year-old all-rounder, making his Test debut for Sri Lanka following the retirement of senior all-rounder Angelo Mathews after the first Test, immediately made an impact. Dinusha finished the day with excellent bowling figures of 2-22 from his 9 overs, showcasing his control and ability to pick up wickets under pressure. He first accounted for Litton Das, who edged a catch to Mendis after scoring 34. Soon after, Dinusha picked up the crucial wicket of Mushfiqur Rahim for 35, caught in the deep by Vishwa Fernando, denying Rahim a bigger score after he had received a reprieve earlier. SL vs BAN Day 1 Stumps
The fast bowling duo of Vishwa Fernando (2-35) and Asitha Fernando (2-43) were equally impactful, supporting Dinusha’s debut heroics. Vishwa Fernando, who came into the side in place of the injured Milan Rathnayake, picked up two crucial wickets, including that of Bangladesh’s skipper. Asitha Fernando, after his early strike, returned to dismiss Nayeem Hasan (25) late in the day with a well-pitched delivery that clipped the off-stump, a prime example of Sri Lanka’s persistence paying off. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (31) and Nayeem Hasan tried to rebuild but couldn’t forge substantial stands. SL vs BAN Day 1 Stumps
At SL vs BAN Day 1 Stumps, Bangladesh finished at 220 for eight in 71 overs, with Taijul Islam (9*) and Ebadot Hossain (5*) at the crease. The day’s play saw some tactical changes, with Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz returning to the lineup after missing the first Test due to injury, replacing Jaker Ali. Sonal Dinusha, with his first-class record of 2,478 runs at an average of over 40 and 99 first-class wickets, has certainly made a strong case for himself in his maiden Test appearance. Despite some missed chances in the field, Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling effort ensured they remained in firm control, setting a promising tone for the remainder of the match.
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