Galle (Sri Lanka) (AFP) – Bangladesh kept firm control over the first Test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, reaching a commanding total of 484 for nine by the end of day two, despite a late fightback from the home side.
Resuming from an overnight score of 292 for three, the visitors capitalized on a batting-friendly surface as Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto extended their record-breaking partnership.
Their stand of 264 runs came to an end when Shanto, after a composed innings of 148 featuring 15 boundaries and a six, was deceived in flight and dismissed while attempting a drive.
Mushfiqur, however, carried on alongside wicketkeeper Litton Das, eventually falling for a magnificent 163, a knock that lasted nearly nine hours and consumed 350 deliveries.
Litton Das added to Sri Lanka’s woes with an attacking 90 off 123 balls, punishing weary bowlers and capitalizing on loose fielding. He was particularly aggressive against the spinners, using his feet well to clear the infield, though he did survive a few tense moments.
At 14, Pathum Nissanka dropped a straightforward catch at short midwicket, and Das narrowly avoided a run-out following a miscommunication with his partner. He eventually fell attempting a reverse sweep against debutant Tharindu Ratnayake, gloving a catch to Kusal Mendis behind the stumps.
Bangladesh batting coach Mohammad Salahuddin praised the team’s batting display.
"It was an excellent effort by the batsmen," Salahuddin said. "Mushfiqur hadn’t scored a big hundred for a while, but we always believed it was only a matter of time. The players showed great character, and with close to 500 runs on the board, our bowlers will have the chance to attack and create opportunities. Day three should be an exciting one."
On the other side, Sri Lanka pacer Milan Rathnayake admitted the conditions were tough for bowlers.
"This was one of the flattest wickets we’ve seen in Galle," Rathnayake said. "It wasn’t easy, but I think we did reasonably well. When they were building pressure and attacking us, it was important to stay calm and show character. I thought we came back well after tea to take five wickets."
Rain interrupted play shortly after lunch, restricting the day to 61 overs. A steady drizzle led to an early tea, and bad light eventually ended proceedings ahead of schedule.
Play is set to resume 15 minutes earlier on Thursday to make up for the lost time.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh: 484-9 (Mushfiqur Rahim 163, Najmul Hossain Shanto 148)
Toss: Bangladesh
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