Lunch Score: Bangladesh 71 for 2 on Day One
Bangladesh cautiously navigated the first session of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo after choosing to bat first. At lunch, they stood at 71 for 2, with opener Shadman Islam unbeaten on 43 and Najmul Hossain Shanto on 7, the pair having added 28 runs for the third wicket.
The session saw a slow and steady approach from the visitors, scoring at 2.73 runs per over, as they looked to stabilize the innings after two quick dismissals.
Shadman Steady Despite Mix-Up Before Lunch
Shadman played a patient hand, facing 86 balls for his 43. However, just before the interval, a mix-up in running could have cost him his wicket had there been a direct hit.
“He looked in complete control until that final moment before lunch, which could have been disastrous,” a commentator noted.
Anamul’s Struggles Continue
Anamul Haque continued his disappointing Test form, getting out for a duck, his second in three innings. He was bowled by Asitha Fernando, chopping on a delivery that moved in from back of a length.
“Anamul has been prolific in domestic cricket but is yet to convert that success at the international level,” observed a team analyst.
He had a couple of lucky escapes before that—one edge brushed past Kusal Mendis’ fingertips, and another fell short of the slip cordon.
Mominul Falls Against the Flow
After Anamul’s departure, Mominul Haque joined Shadman to add 38 runs. The pair looked to be settling in before Mominul gave his wicket away, chipping a simple catch to short cover off Dhananjaya de Silva.
Sri Lankan Spin Threat Mixed in With Inconsistency
Bangladesh tried to build momentum by targeting Tharindu Rathnayake, who gave away 22 runs in 5 overs. Although he got some deliveries to spin away from the left-handers, he lacked consistency in maintaining threatening lines.
“Rathnayake showed glimpses of control, but he couldn’t maintain pressure over long spells,” said a local cricket analyst.
A few close calls—a nick falling short of slip and a lofted drive just clearing short cover—highlighted the fine margins.
Cautious Tactics with Few Singles
Bangladesh’s approach was largely defensive, playing 116 dot balls in the session. They scored 40 of their 71 runs in boundaries, taking just 29 singles, underlining the lack of strike rotation.
“They’re clearly waiting for the bad balls, but that kind of approach might pile up pressure in the longer run,” a former Bangladesh captain commented.
Team Changes and Debuts on Both Sides
Both teams leaned on spin-heavy lineups after briefly considering three seamers. For Bangladesh, Nayeem Hasan retained his place despite Mehidy Hasan Miraz returning. Jaker Ali was dropped, and Hasan Mahmud missed out due to a niggle, replaced by Ebadot Hossain.
Sri Lanka gave a debut to Sonal Dinusha, a spin-bowling allrounder. He joined a strong spin department with Prabath Jayasuriya, Rathnayake, and Dhananjaya. Vishwa Fernando replaced the injured Milan Rathnayake.
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