Sri Lanka’s Tour of Bangladesh (2024) – 2nd Test Match – (Day 5)
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Sri Lanka mopped up the balance three Bangladeshi wickets to win by 192 runs and completed a comprehensive 2-0 series sweep over Bangladesh in the final Test at Chattogram.
This win not only cements Sri Lanka’s standing in the World Test Championship but also underscores the tactical acumen and the depth in talent within their ranks.
Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, praised his team’s balanced approach, highlighting how the bowlers adhered to basic strategies while the batters showed resilience, especially after a shaky start in the series. De Silva’s strategic foresight, particularly in anticipating the role of reverse swing, played a crucial part in their success, reflecting a captain confident in his team’s abilities and ready for future challenges, including tours to England and South Africa.
Kamindu Mendis emerged as a standout performer, clinching both the Player of the Match and the Series awards. Mendis’ evolution as a bowler, under the guidance of his spin coach, paid dividends, especially with his right-arm spin, which he confidently employed throughout the series. His crucial batting efforts, including an unbeaten 92 in the first innings, showcased his versatility and importance to the team.
Bangladesh, under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, faced challenges throughout the series. Despite moments of individual brilliance and character from players like Hasan Mahmud, who impressed in his debut, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s valiant batting in the second innings, the team’s inability to convert starts into big scores was a recurring issue. Shanto’s call for more first-class cricket resonates as a strategic move to enhance the team’s readiness for international challenges.
The series was a tale of critical moments, with Sri Lanka’s ability to bounce back from adverse situations, notably after a batting collapse in the first Test, illustrating the team’s resilience and depth. Twin centuries from De Silva and Mendis in crucial innings, combined with a disciplined bowling effort that saw Sri Lankan seamers taking 33 of the 40 available opposition wickets, were pivotal in their triumph.
For Bangladesh, the series was a missed opportunity, highlighted by the absence of significant scores from their batters and a lackluster performance from their bowlers, except for brief spells of brilliance. The second Test’s outcome was heavily influenced by Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 531, setting the stage for their victory.
Despite the series loss, Bangladesh showed fighting spirit, particularly in the later stages of the second Test, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz leading the resistance. However, the effort was not enough to overturn the deficit, and Bangladesh now finds itself reflecting on what could have been.
The rivalry between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, enriched by moments of individual brilliance and competitive cricket, promises more engaging encounters in the future. As both teams look forward to building on their performances, the series leaves cricket fans anticipating the next chapter in this evolving contest.
Chief Scores:
Sri Lanka 531 & 157 for 7 Declared (Angelo Mathews 56, Nishan Madhushka 34, Prabath Jayasuriya 28 not out, Hasan Mahmud 4 for 65, Khaled Ahmed 2 for 34)
Bangladesh 178 & 318 all out (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 81 not out, Mominul Haque 50, Lahiru Kumara 4 for 50, Kamindu Mendis 3 for 32)
Player of the Match – Kamindu Mendis
Player of the Series – Kamindu Mendis
