Bangladesh ended the third day under the looming threat of an innings defeat after slumping to 115 for 6 in their second innings, still trailing Sri Lanka by 96 runs with only four wickets in hand.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was dismissed for 11 in the day’s final over, becoming the sixth batter to fall after Sri Lanka successfully reviewed an on-field not-out decision against Tharindu Ratnayake’s appeal for lbw.
Earlier, Sri Lanka, resuming on 290 for 2, were bowled out for 458, securing a commanding lead of 211 runs that now looks sufficient for an innings victory.
Pathum Nissanka, who scored a century on the previous day, fell for 158 while Kusal Mendis made 84 before being run out as the last man. Taijul Islam was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, claiming 5 for 131, his fifth five-wicket haul overseas, equalling Shakib Al Hasan’s Bangladesh record.
In reply, Bangladesh once again faltered under the pressure of a big deficit. Anamul Haque, who has struggled this series, managed 19, while Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Mushfiqur Rahim all failed to capitalise on starts.
Prabath Jayasuriya and Dhananjaya de Silva shared crucial breakthroughs, with Jayasuriya bowling Mushfiqur for 26 with a delivery that turned sharply to hit off stump, while Dhananjaya removed Shanto and Mominul in quick succession.
Bangladesh will now need their lower order, led by Litton Das who remains unbeaten on 13, to battle hard on the fourth day to avoid an innings defeat and keep the series alive.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
