Roshen Silva anchored Sri Lanka’s innings with an unbeaten 58
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Sri Lanka took advantage of a dismal batting performance by Bangladesh to forge a massive 312-run lead on the second day of the second Test in Dhaka.
Starting off the day on 56/4, Bangladesh only added 17 runs to their overnight score before wicketkeeper Liton Das was clean bowled by Suranga Lakmal for 25.
However, after stand-in captain Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan Miraz put together a 34-run partnership, the hosts completely crumbled as they lost their last five wickets for just three runs.
As a result, Bangladesh ended up being bowled out for 110, with Mehidy remaining unbeaten on 38.
Lakmal and debutant Akila Dananjaya picked up three wickets apiece, while Dilruwan Perera took two.
With a 112-run lead in hand, Sri Lanka made a disappointing start to their second innings as opener Kusal Mendis was trapped lbw off the bowling of Abdur Razzak for seven runs.
Mendis decided to review the decision, but it didn’t save him as the ball was pitching in line and crashing into leg stump.
Dhananjaya de Silva managed to make 28 runs before he was clean bowled by Taijul Islam, while Danushka Gunathilaka made 17.
Opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne, who had survived till this point, scored 32 runs before he was caught by Imrul Kayes at midwicket off the bowling of Mehidy.
Roshen Silva and captain Dinesh Chandimal stabilised the innings with a 51-run partnership before Chandimal was given out lbw off the bowling of Mehidy for 30.
Shortly after Chandimal’s dismissal, Sri Lanka lost Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan and Dananjaya in quick succession.
However, Silva and Lakmal ensured Sri Lanka reached stumps safely as they forged an unbeaten 22-run stand.
Silva finished on 58 off 94 balls, which included nine boundaries, while Lakmal remained undefeated on seven off 22 deliveries, which included a solitary boundary.
Mustafizur Rahman was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Taijul and Mehidy snapped up two wickets apiece. As for Razzak, he claimed one.
Sri Lanka ended day two on 200/8 and will continue batting on Saturday at 09:30 local time or 03:30 GMT.