Opener Shadman Islam struck a composed 76 while off-spinner Nayeem Hasan claimed his first five-wicket haul away from home as Bangladesh seized control on day four of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Friday.
Bangladesh reached stumps at 177 for three in their second innings, stretching their overall lead to 187 runs with seven wickets in hand. Najmul Hossain Shanto was unbeaten on 56 alongside Mushfiqur Rahim on 22.
Earlier, Nayeem returned figures of 5-121 to bowl out Sri Lanka for 485 and hand Bangladesh a slender 10-run first-innings lead — the first time they have led after the opening innings of a Test match on Sri Lankan soil.
Resuming on 465-6, Sri Lanka lost their final four wickets for just 20 runs. Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 87 before becoming one of Nayeem’s five victims. Hasan Mahmud picked up three wickets.
In reply, Bangladesh lost Anamul Haque early for 4, and Mominul fell for 14 just before tea. But Shadman held firm with a gritty 126-ball knock, hitting seven boundaries.
The left-hander added 68 for the third wicket with Mominul and another 68 with Shanto before falling lbw to Milan Ratnayake late in the day. He opted not to review the decision.
With two centurions from the first innings – Shanto and Mushfiqur – back at the crease and looking good, Bangladesh will look to bat deep into the fifth day and set Sri Lanka a challenging fourth-innings target on a wearing Galle surface.
The hosts, meanwhile, will be banking on their spinners to make inroads early on the final day.
Source: Daily Sun
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