Sri Lanka’s Dominance Continues
Sri Lanka’s relentless pursuit of victory in the ongoing series against Bangladesh sees them edging closer to a resounding 2-0 triumph. On day four, Sri Lanka tightened their grip on the match by claiming seven Bangladesh wickets, leaving the opposition with an uphill battle. Despite sporadic resistance, especially from Mominul Haque who managed to surpass the fifty-run mark, Bangladesh faced an arduous task of either batting out nearly five-and-a-half sessions to salvage a draw or chasing down the mammoth target of 511 runs for an improbable win. While Mehidy Hasan Miraz stood unbeaten at stumps, contributions from other Bangladeshi batsmen were limited, with Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan’s partnership of 61 runs for the fifth wicket being the most substantial.
Spin Emerges as Sri Lanka’s Key Weapon
In a significant shift, spin emerged as a potent weapon for Sri Lanka in this match, despite the Chattogram pitch not offering extravagant turn. The surface didn’t favor seam movement, pace, or reverse swing either, prompting the Sri Lankan seamers to adjust their strategies accordingly. Patience became paramount for the Sri Lankan bowlers as they continued to probe the Bangladesh batsmen with a variety of questions.
Unconventional Tactics Pay Off
Opting for unconventional tactics, captain Dhananjaya de Silva didn’t hesitate to keep fielders close to the bat and experiment with unique lines of attack. Sri Lanka’s persistence paid dividends, with Bangladesh batsmen eventually succumbing to the pressure. Notably, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, and Vishwa Fernando made crucial breakthroughs, while Kamindu Mendis, with his unorthodox spin, surprised everyone by claiming two important wickets.
Angelo Mathews Shines with the Bat
Earlier in the day, Angelo Mathews showcased his class with the bat, becoming the last Sri Lankan batter to surpass the fifty-run mark in the match. Despite a remarkable delivery from Shakib that dismissed him, Mathews’s contribution helped Sri Lanka extend their lead beyond 500 runs.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s commanding performance has put them in a formidable position as they march towards a series victory. With the bowlers displaying remarkable prowess and the batters delivering when it mattered the most, Sri Lanka looks poised to clinch the series with authority.
