Bangladesh batters took full advantage of what was described as “one of the flattest wickets” in Galle, piling on 484 for nine at stumps on day two of the first Test against hosts Sri Lanka.
The Tigers resumed on 292 for three and continued to dominate, with Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto extending their overnight partnership before Sri Lanka made some late inroads.
Bangladesh senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin praised the application shown by the top order, particularly Mushfiqur, who struck a marathon 163.
“We were very impressed with the way Mushfiqur Rahim went about things. He had not scored a big one in a while but we knew it was just a matter of time before he did,” said Salahuddin.
“They (the batters) showed character and we have almost scored 500 runs now. I hope our bowlers will be able to create opportunities bowling to attacking fields as we have got the runs on the board. It will be an interesting day three.”
Mushfiqur’s knock, spanning nearly nine hours and 350 deliveries, anchored the innings after Shanto was dismissed for 148. The pair added 264 runs for the fourth wicket – a record for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka.
Litton Das then added impetus with a breezy 90, taking the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly the spinners. He survived a few nervy moments, including a dropped catch on 14 and a run-out chance, before falling attempting a reverse sweep.
Despite the tough conditions, Sri Lanka seamer Milan Rathnayake said the bowlers did well to stay calm and break through later in the day.
“It was one of the flattest wickets we have seen in Galle,” Rathnayake admitted. “It was a tough wicket to bowl on but I thought we did a decent job.
“When they were building the pressure and taking the attack on to us, it was important to stay calm and show character. I thought after tea we came back stronger to claim five wickets.”
Only 61 overs were bowled on the day due to a rain interruption shortly after lunch, followed by bad light that brought an early end to proceedings.
Play will resume 15 minutes early on Thursday to make up for the time lost.
Day 2 Key Figures
Bangladesh 1st innings: 484-9
- Mushfiqur Rahim – 163 (350 balls)
- Najmul Hossain Shanto – 148
- Litton Das – 90
- Tharindu Ratnayake – 3 wickets
- Milan Rathnayake – 2 wickets
Overs bowled: 61
Conditions: Rain and bad light interruptions
Next session: Play to resume 15 mins early on Day 3