On day three of the second Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test in Chattogram, the entire Bangladesh slip cordon, consisting of five fielders, synchronised their movements to chase a ball to the boundary.
Batting first, Sri Lanka amassed a colossal score of 531 in the first innings, setting several records in the process. In response, Bangladesh started promisingly, but the Sri Lankan seamers maintained pressure, consistently taking wickets which led to the hosts collapsing from 96-1 to 130-6, eventually being dismissed for 178.
However, Bangladesh made a strong comeback in Sri Lanka’s second innings, initially reducing their opponents to 15-2 in the third over. They later claimed four more wickets towards the end of the day, leaving the visitors at 102-6, holding a lead of 455 runs.
Five overs before stumps on day three, a humorous incident unfolded on the field. Prabath Jayasuriya edged a back-of-length delivery by Hasan Mahmud through gully. Bangladesh had four slips and a backward point in position – all of whom sprinted for the ball in an attempt to prevent it from reaching the boundary.
Ultimately, it was the backward point fielder who managed to slide and halt the ball’s progress. He then relayed it to the fielder who had run from third slip, who in turn threw it back to the wicketkeeper.
Debutant pacer Hasan Mahmud provided Bangladesh with a moment of joy by claiming figures of 4-51, while fellow pacer Khaled Ahmed also troubled the Sri Lankan batsmen, securing 2-29. However, Angelo Mathews remained unbeaten on 39 alongside Prabath Jayasuriya, who was three not out, as the pair aimed to extend Sri Lanka’s lead with the assistance of the tail-enders.
Earlier, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Jayasuriya contributed with two wickets each as Sri Lanka claimed nine wickets in two sessions, leaving the hosts in disarray. Sri Lanka’s fast bowling coach, Dharshana Gamage, commended the efforts of both sides.
“Both teams’ bowlers, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka bowled really well. We need to score another 50-60 runs, then we will be in a good position. I am pretty sure our bowlers will fight back,” Gamage said.
