Sri Lanka nears victory, Bangladesh at 115-6 in 2nd Test

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    COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — As the third day of the second Test concluded, Sri Lanka looked poised for an innings victory, needing just four more wickets for triumph. By the end of Friday, Bangladesh was struggling at 115-6 in their second innings, trailing Sri Lanka by 96 runs. This significant lead comes after Sri Lanka secured a 211-run advantage in the first innings, posting a formidable 458 in response to Bangladesh’s initial 247, which was achieved after opting to bat first.

    Notable dismissals for Bangladesh in their second innings included Anamul Haque, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mehedy Hasan Miraz, all failing to offer much resistance. Litton Das was at the crease with 13 runs when play was halted for the day.

    Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, and the proficient left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya shared the bowling accolades, with figures of 2-13 and 2-47, respectively. On the state of the pitch at the Singhalese Sports Club ground, Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis remarked on its increasing tendency to favor spin bowling. He expressed confidence in his team’s position, emphasizing the aim to dismiss Bangladesh swiftly for a manageable total.

    Earlier in the match, Pathum Nissanka displayed remarkable form, scoring over 150 runs in a second consecutive Test match. His formidable 158-run innings, featuring 19 boundaries, was a major contribution to Sri Lanka’s extended lead, overshadowing Bangladesh’s efforts. Kusal Mendis complemented with a brisk 84 off just 87 balls, capitalizing on Bangladesh’s early successes in the day, where they had picked four wickets in the first session.

    The day commenced with Sri Lanka at 290-2, with Nissanka on 146, accompanied by night watchman Jayasuriya. By the lunch break, they advanced to 401 for six, with Nissanka’s innings, extending over six hours, solidifying their lead. His departure came after a defensive misjudgment against Taijul Islam, resulting in a straightforward catch.

    Following this, Taijul also claimed the wicket of Sri Lanka’s skipper de Silva, dismissing him for just 7 runs with a delivery that went straight to trap him lbw. Jayasuriya had a brief yet steadfast stint, scoring 10 runs in his role as a night watchman, before being dismissed caught at slip by Miraz, off fast bowler Nahid Rana.

    The partnership between Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis added valuable runs with a 49-run stand to steady the innings. However, Nayeem Hasan managed to bowl Kamindu for 33. Kusal Mendis continued his aggressive play, scoring two sixes and eight boundaries, maintaining Sri Lanka’s dominance and trying to protect the tailenders before being run out while attempting to secure a strike-retaining run.

    Taijul Islam emerged as Bangladesh’s standout bowler of the day, securing five wickets for 131 runs, marking his 17th five-wicket haul in an innings. The previous Test in Galle had concluded in a stalemate, but this match seemed to be heavily tilted in Sri Lanka’s favor as they moved closer to a victory by an innings.