Dropped catches, missed run-outs and rash batting have contributed to Sri Lanka spoiling the farewell of cricket legend Angelo Matthews as Bangladesh took firm control of first Test at the Galle International Stadium on Friday.
Bangladesh having ended the penultimate day at 177 for 3 with a lead of 187 in the second innings have virtually batted out Sri Lanka and go into the final day on Saturday as the team with a chance of winning.
Sri Lanka failed to find any rhythm in their batting and ensured Bangladesh take a vital 10 runs lead on a spinning pitch as they lost their last six first innings wickets for just 121 runs, bowled out for 485.
Spinner Nayeem Hasan was at the centre of the day’s action when he grabbed five wickets to put Bangladesh back in the match.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva (19) and Kusal Mendis (5) were the biggest disappointments.
Like it was in the Bangladesh first innings, Sri Lanka failed to stop Najmul Shanto from being among the runs as he followed up his 148 with an unbeaten 56 in the second innings.
Experienced spinner Prabath Jayasuriya made no impact in the match as he finish wicketless in the first essay bowling 48 overs and bowling 17 overs in the second innings had just one wicket which did not help Sri Lanka’s cause.
Moving out on the final day on Saturday, Sri Lanka will need to do something extraordinary with the ball to bowl out Bangladesh for less than 250 to have any hopes of providing Matthews with a fitting bow-out from Test cricket at a venue he made his debut.
