Score at Stumps
Bangladesh: 220/8 in 71 overs
Top scorer: Shadman Islam – 46
Top bowlers (SL): Vishwa Fernando – 2/42 | Sonal Dinusha – 2/43 (14 overs)
Weather and Toss Set the Stage
The 2nd Test at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, opened under overcast skies. Bangladesh, aiming to level the series after a crushing innings defeat in the 1st Test, opted to bat first on a slightly damp surface—an aggressive decision that backfired, thanks to Sri Lanka’s disciplined seam-and-spin attack.
Despite intermittent rain restricting play to 71 overs, Sri Lanka’s bowlers maximized every spell of dry weather with smart use of the conditions.
Key Highlights
🔥 1. Dinusha’s Dream Debut
- Sonal Dinusha, a 25-year-old left-arm spinner making his Test debut, made an immediate impact. He wasn’t flashy but bowled with control and maturity, drawing sharp turn off the worn patches.
- His scalps — including the dangerous Mushfiqur Rahim — were a result of patience and consistent probing lines.
- Figures of 2/43 in 14 overs mark a memorable start and possibly a new option for Sri Lanka’s spin depth post-Embuldeniya.
“He’s a thinking bowler — Dinusha didn’t let the occasion get to him,” said commentator Russel Arnold.
2. Vishwa and Asitha: Seam Squeeze
- Vishwa Fernando, returning to Test cricket after injury lay-offs, bowled with menace and extracted good movement. His wicket of Litton Das, caught behind off a sharp nip-backer, highlighted his ability to exploit seam-friendly conditions.
- Asitha Fernando, consistent with his upright seam, was unlucky not to get more than two wickets. His short-ball ploy troubled Miraz and Nayeem, both of whom fell trying to counterattack.
Together, the Fernando-Fernando combo kept the pressure on both edges of the wicket — rarely offering freebies.
3. Bangladesh’s Broken Partnerships
- Bangladesh’s innings was littered with starts-but-no-substance:
- Shadman Islam (46), Mushfiqur (35), Miraz (31), Litton (34), Mominul (21), Nayeem (25) — none went on to convert.
- Despite looking comfortable in patches, no partnership crossed 40 runs, a stat that underscores Sri Lanka’s ability to strike at key moments.
- Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (5) fell early, setting a nervous tone.
Tactical Analysis
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Rotation
- Captain Dhananjaya de Silva marshalled his bowlers effectively, mixing spin and seam smartly as weather kept disrupting rhythm.
- He brought himself on for a tidy spell and also handed off-breaks to Tharindu Ratnayake, who nabbed Mominul with sharp turn.
- Dinusha’s long spells from one end allowed seamers to rest and attack in shorter bursts, a strategy that kept energy high.
Bangladesh’s Missed Opportunity
- On a flatish Day 1 pitch that did assist seam movement but was not unplayable, Bangladesh will rue not applying themselves.
- A lack of intent in leaving deliveries or rotating strike against spin led to soft dismissals, especially during the second session.
- Their lower-order fightback (Nayeem and Mehidy’s cameos) only slightly salvaged what could’ve been a sub-200 total.
Players to Watch – Day 2 and Beyond
- Taijul Islam (not out) will have to farm strike with Ebadot and Nahid Rana to get Bangladesh closer to 250 — a fighting total in these conditions.
- Dinusha could get more overs with the ball as the pitch wears.
- For Bangladesh, Mehidy and Taijul will carry the spin burden, and their ability to contain Sri Lanka in their first innings could decide the match’s direction.
Match Situation Summary
| Bangladesh Batting | Runs | Balls | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadman Islam | 46 | 93 | b V. Fernando |
| Mominul Haque | 21 | 39 | b Ratnayake |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | 35 | 75 | b Dinusha |
| Litton Das | 34 | 56 | c †off V. Fernando |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | 31 | 42 | c off Asitha |
| Nayeem Hasan | 25 | 51 | b Dinusha |
| Others | <25 | — | — |
⛈️ Weather Watch
Forecasts suggest further rain interruptions on Day 2. With moisture still in the air and the pitch under covers overnight, early morning movement is likely — a vital window for Sri Lanka to run through the tail.
