Sri Lanka’s Jayasuriya, Dhananjaya spin a web around Bangladesh in Colombo

Colombo: Sri Lanka moved closer to a series-clinching victory, as Bangladesh ended day three of the second Test still 96 runs behind in their second innings. After dominating day two, the hosts continued their control with a composed batting display before unleashing a spin assault led by Prabath Jayasuriya.

Sri Lanka built a commanding 211-run first-innings lead on a pitch beginning to take turn. Bangladesh’s brief resistance was broken on the last ball before tea when Anamul Haque toe-ended a short ball to midwicket. That was the only wicket for the seamers, as spinners Jayasuriya and Dhananjaya de Silva tore through the rest.

Shadman Islam was dismissed early in the evening session, and Najmul Hossain Shanto was fortunate to survive multiple close calls before Dhananjaya eventually trapped him lbw. Dhananjaya also dismissed Mominul Haque, while Jayasuriya removed Mushfiqur Rahim with one that turned sharply. Tharindu Ratnayake ended the day with Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s wicket after a successful review.

Earlier, Bangladesh had sparked hope in the morning session. After Pathum Nissanka fell for 151, Taijul Islam (5 for 106) and Nahid Rana helped reduce Sri Lanka to 248 for 7. Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis then steadied the innings, adding 49 for the eighth wicket. Kusal went on to score a gritty 93, supported by lower-order contributions from Ratnayake and Vishwa Fernando.

Kamindu fell one short of fifty, bowled by Nayeem Hasan. Sri Lanka’s tail resisted effectively, frustrating Bangladesh and extending the lead well past 200. Ratnayake impressed with a six on debut, while Kusal punished short deliveries before being run out.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 418, but the damage was done. Bangladesh, having conceded a huge deficit, faced a challenging task in their second innings. Their top order again faltered, with poor shot selection and sharp spin proving costly.

Jayasuriya ended the day with two wickets, supported by Dhananjaya’s two, leaving Bangladesh reeling and Sri Lanka just four wickets away from sealing the series.

Brief scores

Bangladesh: 247 and 115/6 (Mushfiqur 26, Dhananjaya 2-13, Jayasuriya 2-47) vs Sri Lanka: 458 (Nissanka 158, Chandimal 93, Kusal 84, Taijul 5-131)