Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh (2022)

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[sweep_shot]

Should be a good series.

Good opportunity for BD to get their first Test series win over Sri Lanka.

 

[MenInG]

Ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan has been returned to the Test squad for Bangladesh as The Bangladesh Cricket Board have announced the 16-man squad for the first Test of the home series against Sri Lanka.

From the South Africa Test series, opener Shadman Islam and pacer Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi have been dropped while another pacer Taskin Ahmed has been ruled out due to injury.

Young pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja has been called up replacing Abu Jayed.

The Sri Lanka cricket team will arrive in Bangladesh on 08 May for a two-match series which is a part of the 2021-2023 ICC World Test Championship.

The first Test starts at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS) in Chattogram on 15 May while the second Test commences at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Dhaka on 23 May

SQUAD

Mominul Haque Showrab (Captain), Tamim Iqbal Khan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam (subject to fitness)

 

[James]

<b>Miraz uncertain for first Test against Sri Lanka</b>

<I>1st of 2 Tests begins May 15 in Ctg</I>

Bangladesh all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz is likely to miss the first Test against Sri Lanka next month after fracturing his right hand’s little finger, which has ruled him out for at least two weeks.

The first Test between hosts Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will start from May 15 in Chittagong’s Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Miraz injured his right little finger while playing a match for Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Limited against Prime Bank Cricket Club in the Dhaka Premier League.

Miraz got injured while trying to take a catch of Tamim Iqbal running from deep mid-wicket during the 18th over of the game.

He looked in severe pain immediately holding his right thumb and was later taken to a nearby hospital Sunday.

“Miraz has dislocated his right hand's little finger and there is also a slight fracture on his finger. We have recommended two weeks of rest for him. We will observe his condition later. Whether he will be able to take part in the first Test against Sri Lanka, it can be confirmed after two weeks." said Bangladesh Cricket Board's chief physician Debashish Chowdhury to the media Monday.

Off-spinner Miraz is an important player for Bangladesh Test set-up in recent years particularly at home series.

The former U-19 captain has played 33 Tests so far, taking 128 wickets and totalling 1072 runs.

Meanwhile, BCB announced the 16-member squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka Sunday and Miraz was included.

If Miraz is unable to become fit, then off-spinner Nayeem Hasan might come into the squad.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/cricket/2022/04/25/kohli-anxious-but-will-battle-out-of-alarming-slump

 

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Bangladesh have been dealt a big blow as spinner Mehidy Hasan has been ruled out of the first Test against Sri Lanka, starting 15 May in Chattogram.

The spinner is suffering from a finger injury and is set to be replaced by Nayeem Hasan in the squad. Mehidy is also doubtful for the second Test, which will begin on 23 May in Dhaka.

Mehidy's injury was confirmed by Habibul Bashar, a member of the national selection panel. "He (Mehidy) is definitely ruled out from the opening Test due to a hairline injury while he is also doubtful for the second Test," Bashar was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

His replacement, Nayeem Hasan has played seven Tests, taking 25 wickets for the Tigers.

Mehidy's absence will be another severe blow to Bangladesh's bowling attack, which is currently dealing with numerous injuries. Pacer Taskin Ahmed, who sustained a shoulder injury during the first Test against South Africa remains unavailable as he continues his recovery. Shoriful Islam's inclusion is also subject to fitness after he missed the series against the Proteas due to an ankle injury.

The hosts though will be bolstered by the return of talismanic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who was named in the squad after missing the two-Test series against South Africa due to personal reasons.

The two-match series will be played under the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle and will be crucial for both sides. Sri Lanka are currently placed fifth with a point percentage of 50% while Bangladesh languish a spot above the bottom at eighth with 16.66%.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2592453

 

[MenInG]

Bangladesh have added Mosaddek Hossain to their squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka starting on 15 May at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

The Bangladesh batter becomes the second addition to the squad after Nayeem Hasan, who came in as a replacement for the injured Mehidy Hasan. The move will bolster Bangladesh's batting department in what will be a crucial series for the hosts in their hunt for vital World Test Championship 2021-23 points, as they languish just above the bottom of the table.

Mosaddek isn't a regular for Bangladesh in the longest format, having last played a Test in 2019 against Afghanistan in Chattogram. Overall, he has played three Tests, scoring 164 runs at an average of 41.00. His inclusion though will give Bangladesh some useful overs, as he is a more than handy part-time spinner.

Mosaddek's inclusion was confirmed by a member of the senior men's team's selection panel, Habibul Bashar to Cricbuzz. Habibul said, "Mosaddek was injured after playing two first-class games so he could not play either in the National Cricket League or the Bangladesh Cricket League.

"We have included him as we feel if we play four bowlers then we might need someone who can bat down the order."

The sides will compete in a two-match Test series with the first match taking place in Chattogram between 15-19 May. The second contest will be held in Dhaka between 23-27 May.

Bangladesh squad: Mominul Haque (c), Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Yasir Ali, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Nurul Hasan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam (subject to fitness), Mosaddek Hossain.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2596684

 

[MenInG]

04 th May 2022

Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee selected the below given 18-member National Squad to take part in the upcoming Sri Lanka Tour of Bangladesh 2022.

During the tour, Sri Lanka will play 02 test matches vs Bangladesh. The National Team will depart for Bangladesh on the 08 th May 2022.

Squad

1.) Dimuth Karunaratne – Captain
2.) Kamil Mishara
3.) Oshada Fernando
4.) Angelo Mathews
5.) Kusal Mendis
6.) Dhananjaya De Silva
7.) Kamindu Mendis
8.) Niroshan Dickwella
9.) Dinesh Chandimal
10.) Ramesh Mendis
11.) Chamika Karunaratne
12.) Suminda Lakshan
13.) Kasun Rajitha
14.) Vishwa Fernando
15.) Asitha Fernando
16.) Dilshan Madushanka
17.) Praveen Jayawickrama
18.) Lasith Embuldeniya

 

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Sri Lanka’s Test record against Bangladesh is one of near-complete dominance, but could that be about to change in the World Test Championship?

The WTC returns on May 15 with Bangladesh targeting a first-ever series win over Sri Lanka.

The Tigers will host back-to-back Tests, the first at Chattogram and the second in Mirpur, and will need to make history if they are to pull away from England at the foot of the WTC Standings.

Since Sri Lanka and Bangladesh first met in the longest format in 2001 it has been one-way traffic, with Sri Lanka winning 17 and losing just one of their 22 total meetings.

We take a look at some of the historical talking points from Sri Lanka’s two decades of dominance.

Muttiah Muralitharan’s record against the Tigers was remarkable.

In 11 matches he took 11 five-wicket hauls, picking up ten wickets in a match on four separate occasions.

Murali took a hatful of wickets against every single opposition, averaging less than 26 against all-but India and Australia. But his lowest average against a single opponent came against Bangladesh, with his 89 wickets coming at just 13.37.

One batter dominates the run-scoring charts between these nations, with Kumar Sangakkara head and shoulders clear of the next best on the all-time list.

The Sri Lankan legend’s dominance against Bangladesh was extraordinary. In 21 innings he scored 1816 runs, with Mahela Jayawardene’s 1146 the next highest by any batter on either side.

Sangakkara’s runs came at an eye-watering average of 95.57, and at a decent lick too, scored at a strike-rate just a touch under 60.

A batter has notched up a double-ton eight times in fixtures between these two nations, and three of those innings were by the brilliant left-hander.

And he also holds the record for the highest individual score in Tests between the two, with his 319 in Chattogram in 2014 being the biggest knock of his career.

IS THE TIDE TURNING?

Sri Lanka possessed a perfect record against Bangladesh across the first 12 Test meetings, winning every single encounter between September 2001 and March 2013.

But Bangladesh, whose win over New Zealand at the start of 2022 keeps them above England in the WTC Standings, have gradually improved their Sri Lanka record.

The head-to-head record is still firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour since 2013, but in that time they have won just half of the ten total meetings, with Bangladesh securing their first win in 2017 and also drawing four times.

It’s not enough to make Mominul Haque’s side favourite to win the latest series, but progress is being made and a series win will come eventually. Why not now?

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2605377

 

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Sri Lanka's newly-appointed coach Chris Silverwood wants his batters to score more freely and his fast bowlers to breathe fire early in their spells as he seeks to add a touch of flair to their performance.

The former England head coach took charge of Sri Lanka last month, with the team ranked a lowly seventh in Tests and eighth in one-dayers.

In his first news conference since taking over, Silverwood identified Sri Lanka's inconsistent batting as their main worry.

"It's all about scoring runs and that's what we want the batting line-up to do," the 47-year-old told reporters on Thursday.

"I'll try and instil some confidence into the boys so they can go out there and construct their innings and score big runs, certainly in the first innings, and give us something to bowl at.

"It's not rocket science."

Silverwood, who begins his tenure with a two-test series in Bangladesh later this month, said his batters needed to be brave.

"That's not to say we have to be reckless, what I'm saying is we have to bring smarts into that as well. But I do want them to be positive, I want them to be brave," he added.

"If we go with that attitude, the dot-ball rates will come down and the strike-rates will go up, which can only be a good thing."

As for his fast bowlers, Silverwood wanted them to operate with sustained hostility and stressed the importance of bringing the heat early on to put batsmen under pressure.

"I've specifically challenged The test bowlers to be hot on their first 12 balls, because as we all know the first 12 balls you can make a real impact on your spell as well as put pressure back on the batters," he said.

"I want the Sri Lankan flair, I want the boys to express themselves."

Reuters

 

[James]

If there was ever a chance for Bangladesh to beat Sri Lanka, it is now. Chris Silverwood is an appalling head coach and keeps fortuitously failing upwards into new jobs. He could end up being the Steve Bruce of international cricket.

 

[MenInG]

Bangladesh's home two-Test series with Sri Lanka could prove a turning point in both teams’ WTC23 campaigns.

As the tourists' World Test Championship campaign hangs in the balance, Mominul Haque's side are eager to bounce back after a poor red ball showing in South Africa.

A Bangladesh home sweep would move them above the West Indies in seventh on the table, though a two-Test victory for Sri Lanka could springboard their campaign, helping them press towards a historic, though albeit unlikely, 2023 final spot.

A number of burning questions must be answered by both teams if they are to succeed in Chattogram and Mirpur.

Shakib is back, but can the whole batting group pull its weight?
Outside of their historic victory over New Zealand, Bangladesh have been bereft of answers with the bat in the World Test Championship cycle, and even the return of the No.4 Test all-rounder doesn’t completely fill the gaping holes.

Spin has been a particular Achilles' Heel, with the South African duo of Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer breezing through their defences, and Pakistan’s Sajid Khan tearing through the Tigers line-up. Mominul Haque’s side have the rather unsavoury record of three of the five best bowling figures in the competition against them and outside of Shakib, Liton Das is the only player to average more than 35 with the bat since the start of the Pakistan series in November.

A lack of vision in the middle and loose shots under pressure have riddled Bangladesh's campaign over the last six months, though a resurging Mosaddek Hossain has earned a recall, and the impetus brought by a Tamim Iqbal finding his groove should bolster the side.

Should Mushfiqur Rahim find his feet after a lean trot as well (averaging 26 in his last 10 innings), the batting unit could do the early running in Chattogram to set the tone.

Can Chris Silverwood hit the ground running with a new-look side?

Joining the side as the new head coach, Chris Silverwood has a stern test first up, only made more difficult by the turnover of the Sri Lankan squad.

The 18-man squad for the tour contains four potential debutants on top of a handful of recalls, with workload arrangements, injury and unavailability forcing the shuffles.

With the bat, Silverwood's early impression is that a change in mindset with help Sri Lanka's aspirations.

"I have spent the last couple of weeks just digging through stats, looking at how we can improve. One of them is the intent to score. We have to give the batters the confidence to go out there and not fear getting out,” Silverwood told the press.

"I'll try and instil some confidence into the boys so they can go out there and construct their innings and score big runs, certainly in the first innings, and give us something to bowl at. It's not rocket science.”

One uncapped player who could provide a new dimension in the batting line-up is Kamindu Mendis.

Keeping plenty of people on his toes with his ambidextrous finger spin, Mendis was a revelation in the recent Sri Lankan First Class season, and it is likely his contribution with the bat that will make a bigger impact in the series.

Not only did he compile a ton in four of the first five matches of the campaign for Kandy, two came in the his team’s second innings, in a season that saw him far and away the competitions top-scorer. In the only match of the run without a century, he still amassed scores of 94 and 88.

With a first class average of 67, it's time for the phenom to show his class on the international stage.

Who steps up for Sri Lanka with the ball?

A number of quicks are striving make the playing XI, though there is no clear indication as to who will spearhead the group.

After the retirement of Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara rested and Dushmantha Chameera pursuing white-ball opportunities, the role of pace injection could fall on the shoulders of handful of bowlers, from Asitha and Vishwa Fernando, to Chamika Karunaratne, Kasun Rajitha or perhaps the uncapped Dilshan Madushanka.

Silverwood has challenged the quicks to be on the button in their first two overs, insisting that early pressure can sway the individual battles the tourists' way.

Spin is an area the team is well-covered, with a number of options likely to support Lasith Embuldeniya who will do most of the work.

Do the conditions and recent history help the visiting side?
Chattogram has not been a happy hunting ground for Bangladesh in recent years, and the spin-friendly Mirpur could leave the hosts open to a collapse should the tourists press on.

Failing to win their in their last three attempts, Bangladesh have fallen to two fourth innings chases in the last 18 months at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, unable to halt the conquering Kyle Mayers, and powerless against a Pakistan side who cruised to an eight-wicket win in November.

Both matches went well into the fifth day, and Sri Lanka’s last visit in 2018 provides the biggest indication that the wicket can keep itself together for the entire match.

Sri Lanka piled on 713/9 declared in response to Bangladesh’s 513, as the match petered out to a draw.

Bangladesh’s batting must improve to keep up in the first match, and the perceived Sri Lankan spin quality will make the second Test a challenge even if the hosts have won four of the last seven matches there.

Of the nine leading wicket takers in Mirpur in the last five years, Abu Jayed (left out of Bangladesh's squad) is the only quick, having taken 10 wickets across four innings at an average of 20.50. Zimbabwe quick Kyle Jarvis, who claimed seven wickets in his 2018 showing, is the only other pace bowler to have made significant headway.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2605947

 

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Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan has been diagnosed as Covid-19 positive and will not take part in the first Test against visiting Sri Lanka at Chittagong.

"Shakib reached Bangladesh yesterday. After returning home his corona test result came as positive. He is now in isolation in his home, " BCB doctor Monjur Hossain said.

BCB through a press release also confirmed the matter as:

“As per the Managed Event Environment (MEE) protocol for the series, Shakib underwent a PCR and a rapid antigen test as a pre-requisite for joining the team. Both tests have returned positive results on Today. He will now recover in self isolation and will be re-tested in due course. He has been ruled out of the first Test.”

The first Test will start from next Sunday at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium in Chittagong while the second Test will start from May 23 at SBNS, Dhaka.

The two Tests are part of the World Test Championship.

Dhaka Tribune

 

[MenInG]

World Test Championship 2023 cricket returns with Bangladesh hosting Sri Lanka for a two-Test series from Sunday.

The matches could prove to be a turning point for both sides, with the tourists desperate to make a push up the standings, and Bangladesh eager to stretch the distance from teams languishing at the bottom.

It’s a first assignment for new Sri Lankan head coach Chris Silverwood after his unceremonious end with England, taking over from Mickey Arthur, who enjoyed a successful tenure with the team. Silverwood is supported by assistant Naveed Nawaz, who himself put his name forward for the top role.

While the new coach bounce may invigorate the touring side, a number of fringe players have had the opportunity to impress their new boss, with injuries, absences and the retirement of Suranga Lakmal opening the door for new faces to find their names on the team sheet when the captains meet for the toss.

Lahiru Thirimanne has requested three months paternity leave, Pathum Nissanka is recovering from injury, while Charith Asalanka has been told to focus on limited overs formats. Who accompanies Dimuth Karunaratne at the top of the order remains a big question for the tourists given the absent players, with Oshada Fernando potentially the man to move up. The uncapped Kamindu Mendis, who made his name as an ambidextrous spinner, may wind up in the playing XI more for his batting, after a blazing domestic first class season.

On the Bangladesh side, a long-awaited Shakib Al Hasan return will be a little longer after the world No.4 all-rounder tested positive for Covid, with hopes that he will be available for the second match in Mirpur. Mehidy Hasan Miraz is also out, with pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed also injured after succumbing to a shoulder injury in South Africa

It will be a Test debut for Rejaur Rahman Raja and Shohidul Islam should they be selected.

The teams played out a run fest at the same ground in 2018, with Sri Lanka compiling 713/9 declared after the home side put up 513 across days one and two.

Kusal Mendis (196) and Dhananjaya de Silva (173) put up a second wicket partnership of 308 to ensure the tourists kept up in the match, with Roshen Silva (109), Dinesh Chandimal (87) and Niroshan Dickwella (62) all relishing in the conditions.

Roshen is the only member of the five not to return for the 2022 series, with Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s form batter of the 2023 WTC cycle, who made a duck in the match.

As will be the case on Sunday, Shakib al Hasan was also not part of the team for their 2018 meeting.

Mushfiqur Rahim (4932) and Tamim Iqbal (4848) are both approaching the 5000-Test run barrier, a first for Bangladesh cricket.

Predicted XIs
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque (c), Musfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Yasir Ali, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Kamindu Mendis, Lasith Embuldeniya, (Suranga Lakmal), Vishwa Fernando, Praveen Jayawickrama

What they said

Tamim Iqbal on the lessons from the poor South Africa showing (to ESPNCricinfo): "I am someone who doesn't give excuses. If it was my fault, I will readily admit that it was my fault," Tamim said.

"Still, we couldn't find other ways to score runs or survive. I am sure in the coming days, we will have this kind of situation again. We have to react better as a team. We have to play better in this situation, find out ways to score runs or survive."

Chris Silverwood on his first meeting with the press as Sri Lanka coach: "It's about instilling the discipline that we can do good things for long periods of time and not getting bored of doing them. It'll be a gradual process, but if you sow the seed and let it grow, over a period of time you will find that people can do it."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2615994

 

[MenInG]

Shakib Al Hasan has tested negative for Covid-19, and will join Bangladesh's squad in Chattogram. He will be considered for the first Test against Sri Lanka from May 15 subject to health and fitness tests.

 

[MenInG]

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | 1st Test | Chattogram | May 15-May 19 | Match discussion

World Test Championship 2023 cricket returns with Bangladesh hosting Sri Lanka for a two-Test series from Sunday.

The matches could prove to be a turning point for both sides, with the tourists desperate to make a push up the standings, and Bangladesh eager to stretch the distance from teams languishing at the bottom.

It’s a first assignment for new Sri Lankan head coach Chris Silverwood after his unceremonious end with England, taking over from Mickey Arthur, who enjoyed a successful tenure with the team. Silverwood is supported by assistant Naveed Nawaz, who himself put his name forward for the top role.

While the new coach bounce may invigorate the touring side, a number of fringe players have had the opportunity to impress their new boss, with injuries, absences and the retirement of Suranga Lakmal opening the door for new faces to find their names on the team sheet when the captains meet for the toss.

Lahiru Thirimanne has requested three months paternity leave, Pathum Nissanka is recovering from injury, while Charith Asalanka has been told to focus on limited overs formats. Who accompanies Dimuth Karunaratne at the top of the order remains a big question for the tourists given the absent players, with Oshada Fernando potentially the man to move up. The uncapped Kamindu Mendis, who made his name as an ambidextrous spinner, may wind up in the playing XI more for his batting, after a blazing domestic first class season.

On the Bangladesh side, Mehidy Hasan Miraz is out, with pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed also injured after succumbing to a shoulder injury in South Africa. Shakib Al Hasan, who was down with Covid-19, has tested negative and is in contention for the first Test. However, he will undergo further medical and fitness tests before the final decision is made.

It will be a Test debut for Rejaur Rahman Raja and Shohidul Islam should they be selected.

The teams played out a run fest at the same ground in 2018, with Sri Lanka compiling 713/9 declared after the home side put up 513 across days one and two.

Kusal Mendis (196) and Dhananjaya de Silva (173) put up a second wicket partnership of 308 to ensure the tourists kept up in the match, with Roshen Silva (109), Dinesh Chandimal (87) and Niroshan Dickwella (62) all relishing in the conditions.

Roshen is the only member of the five not to return for the 2022 series, with Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s form batter of the 2023 WTC cycle, who made a duck in the match.

As will be the case on Sunday, Shakib al Hasan was also not part of the team for their 2018 meeting.

Milestone watch
Mushfiqur Rahim (4932) and Tamim Iqbal (4848) are both approaching the 5000-Test run barrier, a first for Bangladesh cricket.

Predicted XIs
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque (c), Musfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Yasir Ali, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Kamindu Mendis, Lasith Embuldeniya, (Suranga Lakmal), Vishwa Fernando, Praveen Jayawickrama

What they said
Tamim Iqbal on the lessons from the poor South Africa showing (to ESPNCricinfo): "I am someone who doesn't give excuses. If it was my fault, I will readily admit that it was my fault," Tamim said.

"Still, we couldn't find other ways to score runs or survive. I am sure in the coming days, we will have this kind of situation again. We have to react better as a team. We have to play better in this situation, find out ways to score runs or survive."

Chris Silverwood on his first meeting with the press as Sri Lanka coach: "It's about instilling the discipline that we can do good things for long periods of time and not getting bored of doing them. It'll be a gradual process, but if you sow the seed and let it grow, over a period of time you will find that people can do it."

ICC

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[MenInG]

Sri Lanka have won the toss and have opted to bat


Teams:

Bangladesh (Playing XI): Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque(c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das(w), Shakib Al Hasan, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Shoriful Islam

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Dimuth Karunaratne(c), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando

 

[sweep_shot]

Advantage Sri Lanka already. Won a good toss.

 

[sweep_shot]

SL - 48/1 (17.3 overs).

Going along nicely.

 

[sweep_shot]

50 is up.

SL - 50/1 (19 overs).

 

[sweep_shot]

Good opportunity for young Oshada Fernando to get a big century.

 

[MenInG]

SL 66/2 (21.2) CRR: 3.09

Steady SL for now and a long day in the field for BD if they dont get wickets soon

 

[MenInG]

SL 142/2 (50) CRR: 2.84

This not looking good for the home-side

 

[sweep_shot]

SL - 206/4 (75 overs).

 

[MenInG]

100 for Mathews - 450+ on the cards for SL

 

[MenInG]

SL 258/4 (90) CRR: 2.87

 

[Hassaan HS]

Mathews notches ton as Sri Lanka start strong in Chattogram

Angelo Mathews’ ton and Dinesh Chandimal’s effort in the final session put Sri Lanka in a strong position at stumps on Day 1 against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka closed on 258/4 at the end of the opening day of the first Test, with Mathews (114*), Chandimal (34*) and Mendis (54) making some crucial contributions.

But spinners Nayeem Hasan (2/71), Shakib Al Hasan (1/27) and Taijul Islam (1/73) ensured that the hosts have something to work with going into the second day.

Calling it right at the toss, Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne opted to bat first. The hosts were bolstered by the availability of all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who recovered from COVID-19 to slot in the playing XI.

It was a solid start for the visitors, with Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando blunting the Bangladesh pacers in their opening burst. With the pacers not getting much zip, Nayeem Hasan was quickly brought into the attack. Spin then did the damage as Hasan would trap the Sri Lankan skipper lbw for 9, with Karunaratne reviewing the call unsuccessfully.

Fernando was joined by Kusal Mendis at the crease and the pair batted steadily for large parts of the first session. They looked relatively at ease against the twin-spin threat of Hasan and Taijul Islam, punishing the bad deliveries away.

But the hosts hit back before lunch, with Hasan again delivering the breakthrough. A well-set Fernando was trapped by a floated delivery around off, which got the faintest of edges, leading to a caught behind. Fernando immediately reviewed the call, but UltraEdge showed a spike and the opener had to walk back for 36.

Mendis and Angelo Mathews would survive the remainder of the session, with Sri Lanka heading to lunch at 73/2.

The tea break brought respite for Bangladesh when Taijul broke the 92-run partnership between Mathews and Mendis by removing the latter off the very first ball of the third session. Mendis (54) misjudged a short delivery from the left-arm spinner and ended up giving an easy catch to the mid-wicket fielder.

One brought two for Bangladesh when the Dhananjaya de Silva fell to Shakib for 6. After initially being given not out, DRS came to Bangladesh's rescue, showing Dhananjaya edged the ball onto hit his pad and into the hands of slips.

With wickets falling, Mathews switched gears and took the attack to the spinners. Dinesh Chandimal, at the other end, also preferred stepping out and smashed a couple of sixes as well. Mathews soon brought up his 12th Test century with a boundary towards mid-wicket and raised his bat to soak in the applause.

The two batters batted through to the end of the day’s play at 258 /4, with Mathews unbeaten on 114 and Chandimal keeping him company on 34.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2617194

 

[Saj]

What a fantastic performer Mathews has been for Sri Lanka over the years. Time and again he's been the main man.

 

[sweep_shot]

SL - 277/4 (96.3 overs).

They are looking good for a big score.

 

[MenInG]

SL 327/6 (116) CRR: 2.82
Day 2: Lunch Break

Angelo Mathews 147*

 

[silentkiller187]

SL 397 (153) Angelo Matthews 199

BAN 25/0 (8) CRR: 3.26

Day 2: SESSION 3

 

[silentkiller187]

SL 397
BAN 58/0 (15.3) CRR: 3.74
Day 2: 3rd Session - Bangladesh trail by 339 runs

 

[sweep_shot]

SL - 397-all out.

BD - 76/0 (19 overs).

Stumps for Day 2.

 

[MenInG]

Bangladesh ended day two on 76/0, trailing Sri Lanka by 321 runs as Angelo Mathews missed out on his double-century by a whisker.

Bangladesh after bowling out Sri Lanka on 397 in the final session of day two, started strong in their first innings as the two openers are unbeaten at the crease, with the score at 76/0.

Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal carried the momentum forward for the visitors, batting for the major part of the first session on day two. Bangladesh pacers struggled with the new ball, which they had availed in the final session of day one.

However, Mathews survived a close call on 119 when Khaled Ahmed managed to get an outside edge, only to remain unnoticed by both the bowler and the wicketkeeper. Mathews then collected some boundaries off the pacers and remained unbeaten on 147 in the morning session.

At the other end, Chandimal too batted steadily and brought up his 21st Test half-century. Chandimal after the milestone attacked Taijul Islam to collect boundaries but his aggressive approach backfired as he saw himself getting out while reverse sweeping Nayeem. The off-spinner had him lbw on 66 and in the same over dismissed the new batter Niroshan Dickwella on 3.

After a challenging morning session, Bangladesh clawed their way back into the game with two quick wickets shortly before the lunch break, exposing Sri Lanka's tail. New batter Ramesh Mendis (1*) and Mathews (147*) then took Sri Lanka to lunch on 327/6.

Sri Lanka score 69 runs for the loss of two wickets in the first session.

Shortly afterwards, Mathews reached the 150-run mark and then built a crucial partnership with the new batter, Vishwa Fernando, ensuring Sri Lanka did not lose any more wickets in the afternoon session, heading to tea at 375/8.

After the tea break, Mathews walked out into the middle with Asitha Fernando, as Vishwa Fernando was retired hurt owing to a blow on his helmet towards the end of the second session. After surviving a run out in the first over after tea, Asitha Fernando perished against a regular off-spin delivery off Nayeem. With the wicket of Asitha Fernando, the off-spinner completed his third Test five-wicket haul.

Vishwa Fernando returned to the middle, with Mathews 8 runs short of his double century. With a boundary off Taijul, Mathews inched closer to his double century but the heartbreak moment came when he handed a simple catch off Nayeem to the square leg on 199. Nayeem with the wicket of Mathews registered his best-ever Test bowling figures of 6/105.

Mathews' brilliant knock of 199 was the second-highest score in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23.

The two Bangladesh openers, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudul Hasan Joy got off to a strong start in the final session, adding 76 runs for the first wicket. The Sri Lankan bowlers failed to trouble the two batters, with both Tamim (35*) and Joy (31*) staying strong at the crease. Bangladesh will start day three trailing Sri Lanka by 321 runs.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2620105

 

[MenInG]

SL 397
BAN 109/0 (26) CRR: 4.19
Day 3: 1st Session - Bangladesh trail by 288 runs

Solid start by Bangladesh

 

[sweep_shot]

Good start from Bangladesh.

116/0.

 

[daytrader]

Good innings by Bangladesh.

209/3 after 70 overs. Tamim on 130*

 

[silentkiller187]

SL 397
BAN 244/3 (83) CRR: 2.93
Day 3: 3rd Session - Bangladesh trail by 154 runs

Tamim Iqbal retired hurt on 133

 

[MenInG]

SL 397
BAN 318/3 (107) CRR: 2.97
Day 3: Stumps - Bangladesh trail by 79 runs

 

[MenInG]

Top knocks from Tamim Iqbal (133*), Liton Das (54*) and Mushfiqur Rahim (53*) helped Bangladesh end Day 3 on 318/3, still trailing Sri Lanka by 79 runs.

After losing three crucial wickets in the afternoon session, Rahim and Liton batted through the final session on Day 3 helping Bangladesh rebuild their innings. On a wicket where Bangladeshi spinners scalped most of the wickets in the first innings, the Sri Lankan spinners struggled to find assistance as they remained wicketless.

Trailing by 327 runs, Bangladesh started the third day with both their openers in excellent touch. The morning session turned out to be an ideal one for the hosts, as the openers were able to convert their starts into good scores, and extended their opening partnership to 159 runs.

Tamim Iqbal was the aggressor in the partnership, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy dropped anchor at the other end. Runs came thick and fast for Bangladesh in the first hour as the batters maintained a run-rate of around four an over.

Tamim soon brought up his 32nd Test half-century and continued to dominate the Sri Lankan bowlers. Mahmudul too followed suit and completed his second Test fifty. The Lankans were poor in the field, failing to grab the chances that came their way. Both openers received reprieves as Bangladesh went to Lunch at 157/0.

Pacer Vishwa Fernando following his blow on his helmet off Shoriful Islam’s short delivery in the afternoon session of Day 2, continued to bowl in the morning session of Day 3 but was later ruled out of the Test and medium-pacer Kasun Rajitha came in as a concussion substitute for him.

The afternoon session went in Sri Lanka’s favour as they managed to make a comeback by scalping three wickets in the session. First to depart was Mahmudul, who was undone by a short delivery from Asitha Fernando and edged it to the wicketkeeper for 58. Tamim, on the other hand, soon brought up his 10th Test ton.

The first bowling change of the session brought another wicket for Sri Lanka. Concussion replacement Kasun Rajitha struck in his very first over and dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto on 1. Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haq (2) followed Shanto to the pavilion early when Rajitha got rid of him with a beautiful in-swinging delivery.

Tamim was then joined by Mushfiur Rahim in the middle and both the batters steadied the ship, however, the session could have gone even better for Sri Lanka if Dhananjaya de Silva had grabbed the catch of Tamim when he was on 114. Tamim survived a close caught behind call off Mendis on 102 and later edged one to slips, only to be dropped by De Silva.

Tamim (133*) and Mushfiqur (14*) made sure Bangladesh did not lose any more wickets as they went for Tea at 220/3.

Post tea-break, it was all about rebuilding the innings for Bangladesh. After batting through the opening and the afternoon sessions, Tamim struggled because of the heat and had to retire hurt.

With three wickets down and their top batter in the pavilion, the job of stabilising the Bangladesh innings fell on Mushfiqur and Liton Das. They batted sensibly and avoided unnecessary risks. The Sri Lankan spinners bowled the majority of the overs in the final session but were unable to find a breakthrough.

Liton, who had scored most of his runs in the square region, brought up his fifty with a boundary towards mid-wicket, while Mushfiqur also completed his half-century with a single on the on-side.

Bangladesh finally finished their day on 318/3, trailing by 79 runs with both Liton (54*) and Musfiqur (53*) firm at the crease.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2621706

 

[sweep_shot]

This game should be a draw now. Pitch seems flat.

Bangladesh should bat till tea and then declare (if possible).

 

[daytrader]

SL 397
BAN 318/3 (107) CRR: 2.97
Day 4: Match delayed due to rain - Bangladesh trail by 79 runs

 

[MenInG]

BD in control

SL 397
BAN 379/3 (130) CRR: 2.92
Day 4: 1st Session - Bangladesh trail by 18 runs

 

[MenInG]

BAN 465 d
SL 397 & 39/2 (17.1) CRR: 2.27
Day 4: Stumps - Sri Lanka trail by 29 runs

SL need to play out Day 5

 

[sweep_shot]

Sri Lanka are struggling.

Draw is the likeliest outcome due to flat pitch but Bangladesh have an opportunity to win it.

Rain will stay away hopefully.

 

[MenInG]

The veteran Bangladesh batter headlined the action on day four of the Chattogram Test, helping his side take an advantageous first-innings lead before the hosts' bowlers reduced Sri Lanka to 39/2 at stumps.

Bangladesh had taken a 68-run lead in the final session of day four before they were forced to declare their first innings on 465. Mushfiqur Rahim highlighted the action on the day as he completed 5000 Test runs – the first from his country – and followed it up with an impressive ton.

Earlier, the play resumed after a 30-minute delay due to rain with the hosts on 318/3. The Bangladesh batters Liton Das and Rahim continued their dominance as they batted through the morning session to put Sri Lanka under pressure.

Rahim, who was 15 runs away from reaching 5000 runs in Test cricket, achieved the milestone. He appeared more determined after reaching the milestone and batted with grit and patience, while Liton, on the other hand, kept his cool and took his time settling in the middle.

The Sri Lankan bowlers bowled some tight lines but didn't get any wickets; nonetheless, they were able to keep the run rate under control in the morning session, conceding only 67 runs with Bangladesh's scorecard reading 385/3 at lunch, still trailing Sri Lanka by 12 runs.

Immediately after the lunch break came respite for Sri Lanka as Kasun Rajihta scalped two wickets in the first two deliveries of the session. He first snared the prized scalp of Liton, who went chasing after a short and wide delivery from Rajitha but only managed to edge it to the wicketkeeper, falling for a well-made 88.

Rajitha's next victim was Tamim Iqbal(133), who had got retired hurt on the previous day. He returned to the crease but immediately walked back as the Sri Lanka pacer, from round the wicket, angled in a fullish length delivery that burst through Iqbal’s bat and pad gap to dislodge the bails.

Rahim now once again had the task of rebuilding Bangladesh's innings as Shakib Al Hasan came out to accompany him. After two quick wickets, the Sri Lankan bowlers were charged up and created pressure on the new batter, Shakib. However, the left-hander survived when he was on 9; he edged one off Ramesh Mendis to the short leg fielder, who claimed to have taken the catch, but the soft signal from the umpire backed by the not-out decision of the third umpire saved Shakib.

Shakib then in an attempt to break the shackles stepped out and charged against Ramesh to hit him for a four down the ground. He then collected another four off Rajitha with a beautiful shot over covers. Asitha Fernando was then introduced to the attack and took the wicket of Shakib in his second over of the session. The left-hander on 26 attempted to guide a short delivery from Asitha over the wicketkeeper, but he failed to do so, edging it into the gloves of Dickwella.

Asitha continued to deploy short balls against new batter Nayeem Hasan and Rahim. The veteran batter completed his eighth Test century with a boundary towards fine leg before Bangladesh went for Tea at 436/6 with Rahim unbeaten on 104 and Nayeem keeping him company on 4.

After the break, Sri Lanka finally had claimed the wicket of Rahim while he was attempting to sweep Lasith Embuldeniya, mistiming the shot as he got bowled around the legs with his gritty innings coming to an end on 105.

Sri Lanka soon availed the new ball and Dhananjaya de Silva came up with his first breakthrough by dismissing Nayeem on 9. Taijul Islam scored 20 runs before he succumbed to a short delivery off Asitha. Bangladesh with the lead of 68 runs had to declare their first innings as Shoriful Islam, after taking a blow on his hand, was forced to retire hurt.

Bangladesh reduced Sri Lanka to 39/2 in 17.1 overs before stumps were called. After escaping a near return catch from Nayeem, the hosts' skipper Dimuth Karunaratne remained unbeaten on 18, but the other opener Oshada Fernando (19) was unlucky to get run out at the non-striker's end after a miscommunication between the batters.

The day's play came to a close with Taijul dismissing nightwatchman Embuldeniya for 2.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2622710

 

[James]

<b>BAN vs SL: Heat causes havoc as umpire Richard Kettleborough forced to leave field during 1st Test</b>

<I>On-field umpire Richard Kettleborough was forced to leave the field due to the scorching heat during the 1st Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.</I>

The match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka temporarily came to a halt on Wednesday when umpire Richard Kettleborough had to leave the field due to illness.

The scorching heat in Chattogram – the venue of the first Test – had an effect on the proceedings as Kettleborough left the field ahead of the 139th over of the game.

TV umpire Joe Wilson replaced the English umpire on the field.

The players took a drinks break following the incident, and were seen having drinks under giant umbrellas, owing to the hot weather in the city.

Earlier, Bangladesh began Day 3 on 318/3, only 79 runs behind Sri Lanka's total of 397.

Tamim Iqbal slammed a century (133) before he retired during the innings due to cramps on Day 2, while Liton Das also reached a half-century (88), propelling Bangladesh into the lead alongside Mushfiqur Rahim who is also nearing a century.

Rahim also became the first Bangladesh batter to reach 5,000 Test runs during his innings in Chattogram.

Rahim was 15 runs short of the 5,000-run milestone when play resumed and hit the mark, in his 81st test match, with two runs to fine leg off pace bowler Asitha Fernando.

The Bangladesh batting coach was impressed with the side's display after Day 2 of the game.

“It is confidence and understanding what their game plan is. They executed it beautifully,” Bangladesh batting coach Jamie Siddons said.

"If you noted, there was no big shots in the air, apart from Liton a couple of times.”

“Everyone was super disciplined.”

Bangladesh have never beaten Sri Lanka in a Test series, and the side, captained by Mominul Haque in the ongoing series, will here be aiming to break the streak.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...ve-field-during-1st-test-101652861509884.html

 

[light]

The more I look into this match, the more I think 2 tier test teams might not be a bad idea (for test). Both BD and SL are playing competitive cricket here.

Not saying both of these two teams won't perform/win against the higher ranked size, but more often than not, the matches ends in favor of the higher ranked team by a large margin. Two tier team should level the playing field and make the matches more competitive.

 

[daytrader]

Day 5:

Sri Lanka 106/2 CRR 3.61. Lead by 38 runs

 

[daytrader]

Day 5 - at Lunch: Sri Lanka lead by 60 runs

Sri Lanka: 397 & 128/4 (44 ov)
Bangladesh: 465

Dimuth Karunaratne (c) - 44*

 

[MenInG]

Game slipping for SL....

BAN 465 d
SL 397 & 171/6 (60) CRR: 2.85
Day 5: 2nd Session - Sri Lanka lead by 103 runs

 

[MenInG]

BAN 465 d
SL 397 & 205/6 (73) CRR: 2.81
Day 5: Tea Break - Sri Lanka lead by 137 runs

Can SL pull this off?

 

[MenInG]

BAN 465 d

SL 397 & 260/6

Match drawn

 

[MenInG]

 

[silentkiller187]

 

[silentkiller187]

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh shared four points each in the ICC World Test Championship with a draw in the first Test of the two-match series.

Some brilliant bowling from Bangladesh on the final day made things interesting in the final Test. Taijul Islam led Bangladesh's attack with guile and spin and at 161/6, the home side would have fancied their chances to bowl the opposition out.

However, resistance from Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella, who put on an unbeaten 99-run stand for the seventh wicket, meant both teams had to settle for a draw.

The result means Sri Lanka and Bangladesh remain rooted to the fifth and eighth spot respectively on the World Test Championship table.

Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first. The visitors posted 397 on the back of a brilliant century from Angelo Mathews. He came agonizingly close to a double century, falling one run short of it as he was the last Sri Lankan wicket to fall. Nayeem Hasan, playing his eighth Test, recorded his second fifer and finished with his best innings figures of 6/105.

In reply, centuries from veterans Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim helped Bangladesh gain a 68-run lead. It was an innings to remember for Rahim, who scored his eighth Test hundred and en route became the first Bangladesh batter to score 5000 Test runs.

On the final day, Bangladesh were in with a chance to bowl Sri Lanka out but Chandimal and Dickwella stood in their way with a patient, unbeaten partnership of 99 runs.

Resuming the day on 39/2, still 29 runs behind Bangladesh, Kusal Mendis decided attack was the best form of defence and played a counter-attacking innings that quickly wiped out the deficit.

Mendis treated pace and spin with equal disdain – smashing Taijul for two fours in the very first over of the day before hitting Khaled Ahmed for three consecutive boundaries a few overs later. Nayeem, who picked up six wickets in the first innings, wasn't spared either as Mendis hit a four and a maximum.

Taijul's finally brought an end to the mayhem with a peach of the delivery that went through the gates, ending Mendis' entertaining knock two runs short of a fifty.

Bangladesh spinners kept the pressure on the new batter Angelo Mathews. In his attempt to break the shackles, Mathews smashed the ball straight back at the bowler and Taijul completed a great return catch to send the centurion from the first innings back for a 15-ball duck.


Dhananjaya de Silva and Karunaratne ensured there were no more casualties going into lunch.

There were jitters in the Sri Lanka camp after lunch when Dimuth Karunratne walked back after his fifty, with Taijul once again providing the breakthrough. Dhananjaya followed him back to the hut as Sri Lanka were 161/6. At the time, Sri Lanka's lead was only 75 and a couple more wickets would have given Bangladesh a sniff at victory.

Thankfully for visitors, Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella held the fort together, taking Sri Lanka to tea at 205/6.

They continued to make the bowlers toil even in the final session, with Dickwella soon getting to his half-century. Getting the result soon became a foregone conclusion and both teams decided to shake hands with more than an hour of play left.

The action now moves to Dhaka for the second Test which is set to commence on 23 May.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2623683

 

[MenInG]

Nayeem Hasan is set to miss the second Test against Sri Lanka because of a finger injury.

Nayeem had injured the middle finger of his right hand in the opening Test of the two-match series. On subsequent examination it was found that he had fractured his finger and will be out of action for about three to four weeks.

The timeline could also rule him out the Test series against West Indies, which begins on 16 June.

"Nayeem is certainly ruled out from the second Test against Sri Lanka as he fractured his finger," said Debashish Chowdhury, the Bangladesh cricket team's chief physician.

"He will need at least three to four weeks to recover and taking that into consideration it looks he is unlikely to make in the West Indies Test squad."

Nayeem, who fractured his finger while fielding on the fourth day, was the highest wicket-taker in the Test, and had picked up six wickets in the first innings.

The second Test begins in Dhaka on 23 May. first Test in Chattogram was a draw

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2625827

 

[Hassaan HS]

After drawing the opening Test, a depleted Bangladesh side will look to overcome their troubles and secure their first-ever series win against Sri Lanka in the longest format.

Sri Lanka have a superior record against Bangladesh. However, after the first Test ended in a tame draw in Chattogram, the hosts will be looking to turn things around. It is easier said than done though, with injuries rampant in the Bangladesh camp.

Bangladesh are missing their four major bowlers. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan, who picked up six wickets in the first Test, was ruled out with a finger fracture that puts him out of action for four weeks. Joining him is left-arm quick Shoriful Islam, who picked up a right hand injury on the fourth day in Chattogram. Replacements for both players have not yet been announced.

Still missing from action are right-arm pacer Taskin Ahmed and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan, who continue to recover.

The Lankans, on the other hand, are a confident bunch. Playing their full-strength team and history on their side, they have the firepower to dominate the opposition. However, Bangladesh can take solace from the fact that although their bowling has suffered, their batting unit appears to be in form and raring to go.

Remember the last time

After opting to bat first in the opening Test, Sri Lanka put up a solid 397 in the first innings on the back of a brilliant 199 from Angelo Mathews and crucial fifties from Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal. However, Bangladesh put up an equally spirited fightback, putting up 465 that included hundreds from Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim, helping them to a handy 68-run first-innings lead. Sri Lanka added 260/6 in the second innings before the captain shook hands for a draw.

What they said

Mominul Haque (Bangladesh captain): "Batsmen or bowlers, we get good results when we can play as a team. The team gets into a good position whenever we give a collective effort. It will help us in Dhaka."

Dhananjaya de Silva (Sri Lanka batter): "Our pacers did better than theirs [in the first Test]. We have a few positives in that aspect. If we are batting first we will try to get 275-300, and then get them out for less than 150 in one innings. It will give us a chance to win."


https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2627076

 

[MenInG]

Bangladesh have won the toss and have opted to bat in the 2nd Test

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Oshada Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne(c), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Ramesh Mendis, Praveen Jayawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha

Bangladesh (Playing XI): Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque(c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das(w), Shakib Al Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain

 

[MenInG]

Disastrous start for the hosts

BAN 65/5 (22.1) CRR: 2.93

 

[daytrader]

Ban 97/5 (34.3) crr: 2.81

 

[MenInG]

BAN 185/5 (59.5) CRR: 3.09

good partnership

Partnership: 161(318)

Litton and Mushfqur

 

[transparent opacity]

BAN 277/5 (85) CRR: 3.26
Day 1: Stumps


Partnership: 253(469)

 

[transparent opacity]

Liton, Mushfiqur's twin tons lead Bangladesh's fightback after shaky start

After getting the team off to a dream start with the ball, Sri Lanka bowlers were made to toil for the rest of the day by Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim in Dhaka.

Bangladesh recovered brilliantly after a horrid start and finished the day at 277/5, thanks to unbeaten tons from Liton Das (135*) and Mushfiqur Rahim (115*).

Seven overs into the game, Bangladesh's decision to bat first after winning the toss seemed like a questionable one after they lost half their side for just 24 runs. It looked like Sri Lanka were going to wrap the innings up quickly before Das and Rahim displayed tremendous grit to not give a wicket away for the rest of the day.

At stumps, their partnership was worth 253, the highest sixth-wicket partnership for Bangladesh in Test cricket.

Kasun Rajitha drew first blood on the second ball of the match, sneaking through the gap between Mahmudul Hasan Joy's bat and pad to disturb the stumps for a duck. Fellow opener Tamim Iqbal followed him back to the hut in the next over without troubling the scorers, with Asitha Fernando getting in on the act thanks to a great diving catch from Praveen Jayawickrama.

Skipper Mominul Haque responded with two boundaries but was guilty of hanging his bat to Fernando. Rajitha was on a hattrick in his fourth over after back-to-back wickets of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan, the latter departing for a duck – the third of Bangladesh's innings.

Das dealt with the hattrick ball and thus began Bangladesh's day-long resistance against the Sri Lankan bowlers. Though both the batters were cautious in their approach, they found boundaries every now and then to keep the scoreboard ticking. Together they took Bangladesh to lunch at 66/5.

They started the second session in a lot more positive manner, smashing three boundaries in the first four overs. After taking Ramesh Mendis out of the attack with ten runs in the first over, Das and Rahim blunted the spin of Jayawickrama, forcing Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne to bring his pacers back on.

The 20-plus over ball did not offer any help to the pacers as the batting duo continued to accumulate runs. Das got a reprieve when he was dropped by substitute Kamindu Mendis after falling for Fernando's short-ball trap. He made full use of the lifeline, getting to his fifty with a boundary in the same over. Rahim too followed suit a few overs later, getting to his milestone with a four.

Bangladesh added 87 runs in total in the second session and went unscathed into tea at 153/5.

The pair continued to pile on the misery, with Sri Lanka running out of ideas to get rid of the set batters. After a few quiet overs to begin the third session, Das exploded with three boundaries against Jayawickrama, taking him to the nineties. He soon brought up his third Test ton in 149 balls.

Rahim, at the other end, was much reserved in his play and nudged singles and doubles en route to his second hundred of the series.

During their marathon innings, Das and Rahim also broke the record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership in Test cricket. Incidentally, Rahim was involved in the previous record partnership (191) with Mohammad Ashraful, which also came against Sri Lanka in 2007.

Sri Lanka took the new ball as soon as it became available but Bangladesh looked untroubled in the five overs before stumps.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2632947

 

[sweep_shot]

24/5 to 277/5.

Good recovery.

 

[MenInG]

 

[light]

As much as I am not a fan of Mushfiqur for his on field/off field antique, I have to salute this performance. Liton is becoming a very reliable batsmen for Bangladesh. Good find!

Has there ever been this sort of recovery for the amount of ducks a team had? This must be some sort of a record I presume?

 

[transparent opacity]

SL 129/1 (39 ov)

BAN 365

Day 2 - Session 3: Sri Lanka trail by 236 runs.

 

[sweep_shot]

Sri Lanka - 143/2.
BD - 365-all out.

Sri Lanka are trailing by 222 runs.

Stumps for Day 2.

 

[MenInG]

Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne’s unbeaten 70 and Oshada Fernando’s 57 helped Sri Lanka get off to a decent start as they ended the day’s play at 143/2, still trailing by 222 runs.

After finishing their first innings at 365, thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim’s unbeaten 175, Bangladesh struggled to pick wickets early on as Sri Lankan openers put up a 94-run opening stand. However, Ebadot Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan scalped the wickets of Fernando and Kusal Mendis respectively, helping Bangladesh put up a fightback late in the final session.

Earlier in the opening session of Day 2, Sri Lankan pacers kept the set batters Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim under check. They bowled at the right lengths and soon got their reward when they broke Liton and Mushfiqur's epic sixth-wicket partnership.

Kasun Rajitha removed Liton on 141, who could only add six runs to his overnight score. The right-hander succumbed to an offside-off delivery off Rajitha, edging it straight to the hands of the slip fielder. The pacer secured his maiden five-for later in the same over by dismissing Mossadek Hossain for a duck.

After two quick wickets, Mushfiqur steadied the ship with a crucial 49-run partnership with Taijul Islam. He shifted gears and started attacking the spinners en route to his 150.

Asitha Fernando then struck twice in quick succession, removing Taijul for 15 and Khaled Ahmed on a duck. Fernando got a nick off Taijul's gloves with a well-directed bouncer which went straight to the wicketkeeper's hand. Khaled was similarly caught off guard by Fernando's short delivery.

With Sri Lanka just a wicket away from bowling out Bangladesh, the umpires decided to extend the session by half an hour. Mushfiqur in the last half hour avoided singles and kept strike to himself as Bangladesh went to lunch at 361/9.

The final wicket came immediately after the lunch break as Mushfiiqur in an attempt to keep the strike, attempted a double, but Ebadot Hossain (0) was run-out at the non-striker’s end, thanks to a brilliant throw by Karunaratne from long-on. Hossain's wicket brought the hosts' innings to a close at 365 with Rahim stranded on 175*.

The Sri Lankan openers got off to a good start in their first innings, scoring 84 runs in the afternoon session without losing a wicket. Fernando, who was unlucky to get run out in the first Test, remained unbeaten on 52 in the afternoon session. Karunaratne, at the other end, took his time to get going and remained unbeaten at 31 as the openers took Sri Lanka to tea unscathed at 84/0.

Early in the third session, Sri Lanka lost Fernando to Ebadot, who provided the much-needed breakthrough for Bangladesh. Fernando tried to slash an outside off delivery but it went straight into the hands of the first slip.

Karunaratne remained patient and went on to complete his 29th Test half-century. Kusal Mendis though, after batting through the majority of the session, lost his wicket with Shakib, who trapped him in front of the wickets.

Karunaratne (70*) then batted through the remaining overs with nightwatchman Rajitha (0*) keeping him company as the visitors finished the day at 143/2, still trailing by 222 runs.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2633829

 

[MenInG]

BAN 365
SL 169/4 (56.5) CRR: 2.97
Day 3: 1st Session - Sri Lanka trail by 196 runs

 

[MenInG]

BAN 365
SL 210/4 (70.1) CRR: 2.99
Day 3: Rain stops play - Sri Lanka trail by 155 runs

Rain break could help SL

 

[BreadPakoda]

Both teams lack penetrative bowling. Unfortunately, two of the most boring teams in international cricket

 

[silentkiller187]

BAN 365
SL 276/5 (93.0) CRR: 2.96
Day 3 - Session 3: Sri Lanka trail by 89 runs.

 

[MenInG]

BAN 365
SL 282/5 (97) CRR: 2.91
Day 3: Stumps - Sri Lanka trail by 83 runs

 

[MenInG]

On a rain-hit Day 3, Bangladesh only managed to take three wickets, while Sri Lanka extended their first-innings score to 282/5, trailing by 83 runs.

Sri Lanka closed in on Bangladesh’s first-innings total after rain washed away the whole of afternoon session on Day 3 of the second Test. The 102-run sixth-wicket partnership between Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva helped the visitors recover after two quick wickets in the morning session, before De Silva was dismissed by Shakib in the final hour of the day.

Nightwatchman Kasun Rajitha departed early in the day, outfoxed by a delivery from Ebadot Hossain for 0. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne had just started to look comfortable at the crease when Shakib bowled him on 80, the ball sneaking through his bat-pad gap.

The centurion from the first Test Angelo Mathews and new batter De Silva then steadied the ship and added 46 runs before the lunch break.

Rain interrupted the morning session, and Sri Lanka, still trailing by 155 runs, went for lunch at 210/4 just five balls ahead of the scheduled break.

The rain came down heavily and washed off the entire afternoon session, forcing the break to be extended until tea time. The rain kept the players away for almost four hours before it resumed in the evening session.

Post the long break, Mathews and De Silva picked up from where they had left off. They started cautiously, rotated the strike before gaining the confidence to play their strokes. Bangladesh soon availed the new ball, which helped the batters to find boundaries, and in the 87th over De Silva reached his half-century with a four. With a six-over-long off, Mathews too brought up his fifty, continuing his fine form in the series.

Bangladesh finally broke the century partnership when De Silva on 58 edged one off Shakib to the wicketkeeper. Bangladesh captain Mominul Haq deployed pacer Ebadot Hossain immediately after the wicket, who welcomed new batter Dinesh Chandimal with a flurry of short deliveries. But Chandimal (10*) held his ground and made sure the visitors did not lose any more wickets as play was finally called off due to bad light.

To make up for the lost time on Day 3, the game is scheduled to resume half an hour early on Day 4.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2634497

 

[sweep_shot]

Another draw seems likely. Rain is in the forecast.

 

[MenInG]

Day 4: ​After a rain truncated third day, we're left with a maximum of 196 overs remaining in the Test. Angelo Mathews held his team together with an unbeaten 58 as Sri Lanka reached 282 for 5, still 83 runs adrift of Bangladesh's first innings score of 365. As things stand, it might still need a collapse by one of the teams for this Test to end in a positive result. Any sort of lead on this wicket will be gold dust and as such the first session could be crucial.

 

[MenInG]

BAN 365
SL 369/5 (130) CRR: 2.84
Day 4: Lunch Break - Sri Lanka lead by 4 runs

 

[sweep_shot]

Bangladesh are gifting away the game to Sri Lanka.

24/4.

Still trailing by 117 runs.

 

[MenInG]

Bangladesh are gifting away the game to Sri Lanka.

24/4.

Still trailing by 117 runs.

about 14 overs to go - this could be trouble