Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed his 17th Test five-wicket haul as Bangladesh dismissed Sri Lanka for 458 on the third day of the second Test at the SSC. Despite the breakthrough, Sri Lanka still hold a commanding position with a 211-run lead.
Resuming on 297 for two, Sri Lanka lost wickets in quick succession during the morning session, ending a day that had previously seen no breakthroughs on the second day. Taijul struck first, removing centurion Pathum Nissanka for 158 by enticing him into a drive to short cover. He then dismissed Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva lbw for just 7 in his next over.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana took the wicket of nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya, while off-spinner Nayeem Hasan ended Kamindu Mendis’ innings on 33, with a delivery that brushed the pad and deflected onto the stumps. Mendis had earlier survived a close call when a ball from Nahid Rana kissed the stumps but failed to dislodge the bails.
Kusal Mendis counter-attacked with a brisk 84 off 87 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. However, a sharp piece of fielding by Ebadot Hossain and Litton Das ran him out while attempting a second run, ending his resistance.
Taijul completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing tailender Asitha Fernando for a duck, ending with figures of 5 for 131 off 42.5 overs. His efforts kept Sri Lanka from extending their lead further, though the visitors face a challenging task with the bat in the final innings.
At tea, Bangladesh were 31 for one, having lost opener Anamul Haque for 19 just before the break. Shadman Islam was unbeaten on 12, with the tourists still trailing by 180 runs.
Bangladesh will need a resilient batting effort in the final session to stay competitive, as Taijul’s spirited bowling performance has given them a glimmer of hope in Colombo.
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