ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh strengthened their hold over the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday, posting an imposing 484-9 by stumps on day two.
Resuming from their overnight total of 292-3, the visitors built on their advantage with a clinical batting display led by Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto, who tormented the home side with a record partnership.
Mushfiqur and Shanto Power Bangladesh’s Charge
Mushfiqur Rahim crafted a marathon 163 off 350 balls, his innings featuring patience, technique, and resilience.
Shanto added a fluent 148, laced with 15 boundaries and a six, before falling to some clever flight.
Their 264-run partnership laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s massive total, with Litton Das adding further damage with a quickfire 90 off 123 balls.
Das capitalized on some ragged fielding, including a dropped catch and a near run-out, before perishing to a reverse sweep gone wrong.
Despite a few late wickets, Sri Lanka’s bowlers toiled on what fast bowler Milan Rathnayake called “one of the flattest wickets we’ve seen in Galle.”
However, he credited the team for showing composure after tea, which led to five breakthroughs and prevented further damage.
Rain, Light Cut Short Play
Only 61 overs were bowled on day two, as rain forced an early tea and bad light ended play prematurely.
Day three is expected to begin 15 minutes earlier to make up for lost time.
Bangladesh’s batting coach Mohammad Salahuddin praised the batsmen’s “character” and expressed hope that the bowlers could now capitalize on the scoreboard pressure.
With nearly 500 runs on the board, Bangladesh will aim to seize full control when play resumes.
