The visitors were let down by their batting line-up with Shadman Islam’s 46 the highest score
An unbeaten 83-run opening stand between Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara helped Sri Lanka make solid inroads into Bangladesh’s total of 247, after a spirited rearguard from Taijul Islam had been snuffed out within the first hour of play on the second morning in Colombo.
Despite the innings scoring rate hovering at four an over, that was after Bangladesh had reeled it back. For the first 10 overs of their response the Lankan openers were going at nearly run-a-ball, with Nissanka in particular punishing any errors from the Bangladesh bowlers – of which there were far too many.
Nissanka’s 42 off 64 included six boundaries, of which five came off the seamers. Udara meanwhile has been in lockstep with his partner in a 62-ball 40, with three of his four boundaries coming against pace.
Where Sri Lanka’s seam pair of Asitha and Vishwa Fernando had stuck rigidly to nagging lines outside off, both Ebadot Hossain and Nahid Rana, despite being quicker in pace, were guilty of perhaps trying to do much on a surface that had surprised both teams on the opening day, due to its uneven bounce and two-paced nature.
Too often did the Bangladesh seamers stray short and wide, with Nissanka rarely failing to cash in. Though his best shot, a sumptuous square drive, was reserved for one that was overpitched from Rana.
Even the dependable Taijul erred with his lengths early on, which made it easier for both batters to milk him for singles. It was only in the latter part of the session, and the introduction of Mehidy Hasan Miraz that brought down the scoring rate. But with both batters set, Sri Lanka will be hoping that they carry on – an area in which Bangladesh were sorely lacking. Shadman Islam’s 46 was their highest score.
Earlier in the day, Taijul had shown promise with the bat during a 60-ball 33. He had taken on some short-pitched bowling from the seamers, while confidently stepping out against the spinners. Such was his confidence, he was even shielding Nos. 10 and 11 from the strike.
Sri Lanka though, like they had done throughout day one, stuck to their plans, which in this instance involved lots of short stuff to push the batters back, before sneaking in something fuller. It was this strategy that got the first break of the morning, as Ebadot was caught on his crease.
It wasn’t all perfect for Sri Lanka, however, as they added yet another drop to their catalogue of missed chances in the innings – Kamindu Mendis spilling a low chance off Taijul at mid-off. But Sonal Dinusha returned shortly after, and took just three deliveries to get the last man, as Taijul skied one for mid-off to pouch safely.