The opening Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Galle ended in a damp draw on Saturday, with rain and time conspiring to deny the contest a proper finish despite individual brilliance on both sides.
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Set a target of 296 in 37 overs, Sri Lanka crumbled to 72 for 4 before both captains agreed to call off play nine overs into the final hour. While Bangladesh pressed hard in the dying stages, the decision to delay the declaration proved costly.
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The day undoubtedly belonged to Najmul Hossain Shanto, who etched his name into the record books with twin centuries - 148 in the first innings and an unbeaten 125 in the second. It was the second time Shanto had achieved the rare feat, having scored two tons in a match against Afghanistan last year.
However, his tactics as captain raised eyebrows. With Bangladesh already 247 runs ahead when play resumed after a rain break, an earlier declaration could have opened up more time to bowl out Sri Lanka. Instead, the hosts batted on for 12 overs, and valuable time slipped away due to the innings break - allowing Sri Lanka some breathing space on a deteriorating pitch.
Bangladesh’s bowlers struck quickly, with Taijul Islam taking three wickets, including veterans Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. Mathews, playing his final Test (119th overall), received a standing ovation as he walked off, drawing the curtain on a storied career.
Sri Lanka’s bright spot was debutant Tharindu Rathnayake, who claimed six wickets across both innings. Impressively ambidextrous, he bowled off-spin and left-arm orthodox, dismissing three key batters and pulling off a stunning direct-hit run out of Mushfiqur Rahim on 49.
The second Test begins in Colombo next week.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh - 495 & 285/6d
Sri Lanka - 485 & 72/4
LIVE: India vs England 1st Test Day 2
Set a target of 296 in 37 overs, Sri Lanka crumbled to 72 for 4 before both captains agreed to call off play nine overs into the final hour. While Bangladesh pressed hard in the dying stages, the decision to delay the declaration proved costly.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
The day undoubtedly belonged to Najmul Hossain Shanto, who etched his name into the record books with twin centuries - 148 in the first innings and an unbeaten 125 in the second. It was the second time Shanto had achieved the rare feat, having scored two tons in a match against Afghanistan last year.
However, his tactics as captain raised eyebrows. With Bangladesh already 247 runs ahead when play resumed after a rain break, an earlier declaration could have opened up more time to bowl out Sri Lanka. Instead, the hosts batted on for 12 overs, and valuable time slipped away due to the innings break - allowing Sri Lanka some breathing space on a deteriorating pitch.
Bangladesh’s bowlers struck quickly, with Taijul Islam taking three wickets, including veterans Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. Mathews, playing his final Test (119th overall), received a standing ovation as he walked off, drawing the curtain on a storied career.
Sri Lanka’s bright spot was debutant Tharindu Rathnayake, who claimed six wickets across both innings. Impressively ambidextrous, he bowled off-spin and left-arm orthodox, dismissing three key batters and pulling off a stunning direct-hit run out of Mushfiqur Rahim on 49.
The second Test begins in Colombo next week.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh - 495 & 285/6d
Sri Lanka - 485 & 72/4
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