Colombo – The second Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has taken an exciting turn as the Sri Lankan team displayed a dominant batting performance on Day 2, securing a 43-run lead over the visitors. By stumps on the second day, Sri Lanka had amassed 290 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets, surpassing Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 247 runs.
Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal Shine with the Bat
The highlight of the day was the brilliant unbeaten century by opener Pathum Nissanka, who remained not out on 146 runs, anchoring the Sri Lankan innings with class and composure. He was well-supported by veteran middle-order batsman Dinesh Chandimal, who crafted a valuable 93-run innings before being dismissed late in the day, missing his century by just 7 runs.
This partnership significantly tilted the balance in favor of the hosts and placed them in a commanding position going into the third day of the Test match.
First Innings Summary: Bangladesh Posts 247 Runs
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Bangladesh were bowled out for 247 runs, a total that initially looked respectable on a pitch offering modest assistance to bowlers. However, they could not convert their solid starts into big scores, and the lack of a century or even a 50 from their top-order batters hurt them in the end.
Key Performances from Bangladesh
- Shadman Islam contributed a steady 46 runs, providing some early resistance.
- Mushfiqur Rahim, the experienced campaigner, added 35 runs before falling to a sharp delivery from Asitha Fernando.
- Liton Das (34), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (31), and Naeem Hasan (25) played supporting roles but none could capitalize on their starts.
Despite a promising batting lineup, Bangladesh struggled to form a meaningful partnership that could take them past the 300-run mark.
Sri Lankan Bowling: A Balanced Attack Pays Off
Sri Lanka’s bowling unit exhibited patience and consistency. Led by Asitha Fernando and Dunith Wellalage, the attack ensured regular breakthroughs, not allowing the Bangladeshi batsmen to settle for long.
Bowling Figures – Sri Lanka’s First Innings Effort
- Asitha Fernando: 3 wickets – his pace and control stood out on a flat surface.
- Dunith Wellalage: 3 wickets – the young spinner kept the pressure on from one end.
- Vishwa Fernando: 2 wickets – used the new ball effectively, troubling the top-order.
- Prabath Jayasuriya and Kasun Rajitha chipped in with one wicket each, rounding off a well-rounded bowling performance.
Sri Lanka’s Response: Batting Brilliance from the Top Order
Sri Lanka began their innings with a clear focus and positive intent. The opening pair provided a solid foundation, neutralizing the new-ball threat from Bangladesh’s seamers.
Pathum Nissanka Anchors the Innings
The star of the innings so far has been Pathum Nissanka, who demonstrated immense maturity and technical excellence. His unbeaten 146 came off 232 balls, and included 18 fours and a six. His ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries ensured that the scoreboard kept ticking.
Nissanka’s performance is being hailed as one of his finest in Test cricket, and his third Test century cements his status as one of Sri Lanka’s most promising young batters.
Dinesh Chandimal’s Elegant 93-Run Knock
Supporting Nissanka at the other end, Dinesh Chandimal delivered a fluent 93-run innings. His strokeplay was marked by elegance and precise shot selection, as he stitched together a crucial second-wicket partnership of 175 runs with Nissanka.
Chandimal’s experience showed throughout his innings. Unfortunately, he was dismissed just shy of a deserved century, falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz late in the final session.
Dimuth Karunaratne Falls Early
Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne was the only disappointment at the top, as he fell cheaply for 12 runs, edging a delivery from pacer Khaled Ahmed. However, his early departure didn’t shake the Sri Lankan innings, thanks to the solidity of Nissanka and Chandimal.
Bangladesh Bowling: Struggles in Containing the Run Flow
Bangladesh’s bowling attack looked largely ineffective under the hot Colombo sun. Despite a few close calls, they lacked the cutting edge to make regular breakthroughs on a pitch that started to favor batsmen as the day wore on.
Bowling Highlights
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the only successful bowler, picking up the wicket of Chandimal.
- Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, and Taijul Islam tried to maintain pressure, but lacked penetration.
- There were phases where the bowlers dried up the runs, but Sri Lanka’s batters showed resilience and patience, particularly during the long middle session.
Day 3 Outlook: Can Sri Lanka Build a Match-Winning Lead?
With eight wickets still in hand and a lead of 43 runs, Sri Lanka will look to further press their advantage on Day 3. The morning session will be crucial – if Nissanka can convert his innings into a double century and the middle-order continues to contribute, Sri Lanka could aim for a lead in excess of 150-200 runs.
This would put significant pressure on the Bangladeshi batting lineup in the second innings, especially given the pitch is expected to deteriorate and assist spinners more as the match progresses.
Match Context: Series Decider and World Test Championship Points
This second Test match is crucial not just for pride but also for ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points. The two-Test series is currently level, making this match the series decider.
Both teams are trying to climb the WTC rankings and a win here would significantly boost Sri Lanka’s chances, especially as they aim to rebuild their Test side with a mix of youth and experience.
Historical Rivalry and Recent Performances
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have developed a competitive cricketing rivalry in recent years, particularly in the Test arena. While Sri Lanka has historically dominated the fixture, Bangladesh has been steadily improving and even managed a few landmark wins in recent tours.
This current tour is seen as an opportunity for both teams to solidify their Test strategies ahead of more intense competitions and international tours in the coming months.
Conclusion: Advantage Sri Lanka, But Match Still Open
Sri Lanka has undoubtedly taken control of the Colombo Test match with a stellar batting performance on Day 2, led by Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten century and Dinesh Chandimal’s composed 93. With a 43-run lead and momentum on their side, the hosts will now look to bat long and deep to build an unassailable position.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need a major turnaround in their bowling efforts and a spirited batting display in the second innings to stay alive in the match.
The third day promises to be crucial in determining the outcome of this exciting Test match between two determined sides.
