Bangladesh’s top-order failed to prove its sustainability against the Sri Lankan pace attack when they lost four wickets once again under 25 runs and slipped into a situation from where they cannot hope to win the Dhaka Test.
Tamim Iqbal, who hit a century in the first Test in Chattogram, his hometown, suffered a pair in Dhaka. Najmul Hossain Shanto scored only two. Mominul Haque proved once again that he is not a good batter if he is the captain. And Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the only batter in Bangladesh’s top order to reach a double-digit score in the second innings of the Dhaka Test.
When Sri Lanka ended up their first innings securing a lead of 141 runs, it was expected that this match is going to end in a draw. But the fragile top-order of Bangladesh looked like they are eager to force a result.
It was an angling delivery from Asitha Fernando at the good length. Tamim went to defend it but managed a thick edge to the second slip. Right before Tamim, Mahmudul survived after making the same mistake, but the fortune of Tamim was not the same.
And after losing Tamim early, Shanto fell victim to run-out while scampering a single. Praveen Jayawickrama ran from the point and hit the stumps directly.
After losing two wickets for 19 runs, the onus was on Mominul to end the day without further losses. But the Bangladesh captain failed to do so. He instead put himself under further pressure ahead of the West Indies tour. The left-handed batter is now in a position to lose his captaincy like he was never before.
Mominul played 31 innings as a captain and scored 912 runs with three hundred at an average of 31.44. In 15 out of these 31 innings, Mominul failed to reach a double-digit score, and he also suffered six ducks.
After Mominul, Mahmudul fell victim to Asitha for 15. And in the fifth wicket stand, Liton Das joined Mushfiqur Rahim aiming to construct another partnership to save this Test for the Tigers.
At the end of day four, Bangladesh were batting at 34 for four. They are still trailing by 107 runs.
Earlier, Sri Lanka ended up at 506 riding on the outstanding efforts of Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. Both of them hit a century each.
Shakib Al Hasan registered his 19th five-wicket haul— his first after 2018. It was the longest wait for Shakib between two five-wicket hauls. And Ebadot Hossain scalped four wickets.
Bangladesh ended up their first innings at 365 despite losing five wickets under 25 runs when Rajitha and Asitha cut through the Bangladesh top-order on day one of the match. But it was the stand of Mushfiqur and Liton who resued the Tigers.
After yet another lean display from the top-order, Bangladesh are looking forward to having another stellar show from Mushfiqur and Liton.
