#thenewscompany – Once again poor batting display by Tigers’ batsmen allowed visiting Sri Lanka to clinch the two-match test series as Bangladesh suffered a massive 215-runs defeat in the second and final Test held on Saturday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at Mirpur.
Chasing a massive winning target of 339 runs set by Sri Lanka, Akila Dananjaya and Rangana Herath shared nine wickets between them as Sri Lanka dismissed Bangladesh for a paltry total of 123 in the final innings to take the series 1-0.
The host lost the wicket of opener Tamim Iqbal for 2 in the second over. Tamim was given lbw on a straight ball off Dilruwan Perera’s delivery. After that Herath sent back to Imrul Kayes for 17. Bangladesh went to lunch with 57 for 2.
Bangladesh dramatic collapse began just after the lunch break when they lost their remaining eight wickets in only 66 runs.
Chasing an improbable 339 runs for a win on a track that was conducive to spin, only Mominul Haque (33) and Mushfiqur Rahim (25) Imrul Kayes (17) and Liton Das (12) able to reach the double figure but with Herath (4-49) claiming the top order, the variations of Dananjaya (5-24) were too much to handle for the lower and middle order as the Tigers were bowled out for 123.
Bangladesh barely had control through this game and the second innings ends much like the first with an exaggerated collapse at the end.
During the process, Dananjaya completed a five-wicket haul while Herath surpassed Pakistani great Wasim Akram’s tally of 414 to become the leading wicket-taker among the left-arm bowlers.
Roshen Silva was named the man of the match as well as the man of the series while Sri Lanka started their stint under new coach Chandika Hathurusingha on a positive note.
Earlier, Sri Lanka finally dismissed their second innings at 226 in the first session of the third day setting a massive 339 runs winning target for Bangladesh.
Resuming the third day (Saturday) with overnight score at 200 for 8, the visitors added only 26 runs in the score board losing their remaining two batsmen.
Taijul Islam captured both the Sri Lankan wickets as he first removed overnight batsman Suranga Lakmal for 21 making him a clean bowled and then completed his four-wicket haul by folding Sri Lankan’s innings trapping Rangana Hereath leg before wicket for a duck.
Other overnight batsman Roshen Silva was remained unbeaten with his polish 70 runs knock from 145-ball that studded with 10 boundaries.
Taijul Islam was the pick of Bangladesh bowlers as he grabbed four wickets conceding 76 runs. He was well supported by Mustafizur Rahman who captured three wickets giving away 49 runs.
Besides, Mehidy Hasan finished his spells with two wickets for 37 runs.
Earlier, Bangladesh dismissed their first innings at 110 in reply to Sri Lankan first innings total of 222.
Score in Brief:
Sri Lanka first innings – 222 for all, Mendis 68, Roshen56, Perera 31, Akila 20, de Silva 19, Razzak 4/63, Taijul 4/83 and Mustafizur 2/17.
Second innings – 226 for all Roshen 70 (batting), Dimuth Karunaratne 32, Chandimal 30, de Silva 28, Lakmal 21, Gunathilaka 17, Taijul 4/76, Mustafizur 3/49, Miraz 2/37.
Bangladesh first innings – 110 for all Miraz 38, Kayes 19, Liton 25, Akila 3/20, Lakmal 3/25 and Perera 2/32.
Second innings – 123 for all, Mominul 33, Mushfiqur 25, Kayes 17, Liton 12, Akila Dananjaya 5/24, Rangana 4/49.
