In a tightly fought contest at the Galle International Stadium, Bangladesh closed day four of the first Test with a strong position, leading Sri Lanka by 187 runs with seven wickets in hand.
Shanto, Shadman help visitors extend lead after Nayeem’s five-wicket haul
The match, which has swung back and forth since day one, saw a critical performance from off spinner Nayeem Hasan, who claimed 5 for 121 to help restrict Sri Lanka to 485 — just 10 runs short of Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 495.
Bangladesh then responded with a steady second-innings display, reaching 177 for 3 at stumps. Shadman Islam impressed with a composed 76, while Najmul Hossain Shanto continued his good form with 56 not out. Mushfiqur Rahim, who also scored a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 22.
The day began with Sri Lanka in a solid position, but things changed quickly after lunch. Two early breakthroughs were followed by a sudden middle-order collapse. Nayeem played a central role, using variations in flight and turn to disrupt Sri Lanka’s rhythm. His fifth wicket came when he deceived Asitha Fernando, who missed a reverse sweep, ending the innings in dramatic fashion.
Kamindu Mendis had earlier kept Sri Lanka in the hunt with a fluent 87, combining well with Milan Ratnayake in a 79-run partnership. Milan struck back-to-back boundaries off Taijul Islam before the collapse set in.
When Bangladesh began their second innings, Sri Lanka hoped the pitch — showing signs of wear — would aid their spinners. Anamul Haque was dismissed by a ball that spun sharply from the rough. However, both Shanto and Shadman adjusted well to the conditions, using the crease effectively and putting pressure on the bowlers by rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries.
Shadman was eventually trapped leg-before by a delivery that cut in off the seam from Milan Ratnayake. Despite his dismissal, Bangladesh maintained their momentum through the fourth session.
The game now hinges on the final day. Bangladesh will likely aim for a lead of at least 300 before considering a declaration. The pitch has begun to break up, offering encouragement to the spinners, and two full sessions may be enough time to push for a result — if the bowlers can break through.
But with collapses seen on both sides at various stages in the match, nothing is guaranteed. The visitors have the advantage, but Galle’s unpredictability leaves all results on the table.