“It’s a slightly two-paced surface — not the usual SSC wicket,” remarked Sri Lanka’s batting coach Thilina Kandambi, summing up the surprise challenge that awaited both teams on Day 1 of the second Test. But if there was any hesitation in the hosts’ approach, it didn’t show in their bowling.
Despite a handful of dropped catches and missed chances, Sri Lanka’s attack was clinical enough to leave Bangladesh struggling at 220 for 8 at stumps on Wednesday. The home side capitalised on a lively Sinhalese Sports Club pitch — and some poor shot selection — to gain a clear upper hand in the rain-affected Test.
The two fast bowlers bowled very well. We didn’t expect this kind of surface. SSC usually has even bounce. But the pitch was two-paced today, and the bowlers adapted brilliantly.
The numbers backed up that assessment. Vishwa Fernando (2/35) and Asitha Fernando (2/43) were sharp and disciplined, while debutant Sonal Dinusha (2/22) made an immediate impact — removing Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das during a probing spell of left-arm spin.“Prabath \[Jayasuriya] is slightly out of form,” Kandambi admitted.
“But he’s experienced, and we believe in him. Still, it was the pacers who stood out today. We’ll look to wrap up the innings early tomorrow.”
Rain, Rust, and Resilience
The day’s play was interrupted by rain, especially in the second session, but the hosts stayed focused — even if the fielders did not always back up the bowlers. Five dropped catches and a missed run-out opportunity could have cost them more on another day.
Yet, Sri Lanka’s bowling unit never truly lost control. They regrouped after every lapse. A late peach of a delivery from Asitha Fernando that clipped Nayeem Hasan’s off-stump was a testament to their discipline and persistence.
Dinusha’s dream debut provided a spark. The 24-year-old left-arm spinner not only bagged two wickets in his first outing but also became just the fourth bowler since ball-by-ball data began to start his Test career with three maiden overs and a wicket.
Bangladesh’s Missed Opportunity
Electing to bat first, Bangladesh struggled to build lasting partnerships. Six batters crossed 20, but none could push beyond 50. Shadman Islam’s 46 off 93 balls (7 fours) was the highest score, but his dismissal — edging a wide delivery to slip — typified Bangladesh’s inability to capitalise.
Their most promising stand was a 67-run partnership between Mushfiqur Rahim (35) and Litton Das (34). But both batters fell to Dinusha in the second session, trying to force the pace. Mushfiqur holed out at deep midwicket; Litton edged a rash cut behind.
Fielding mishaps gave Bangladesh more lives than they deserved. Jayasuriya dropped Litton, Udara spilled Mushfiqur, and Kusal Mendis fluffed a stumping — but Sri Lanka kept coming.
Looking Ahead
At the close, Taijul Islam (9*) and Ebadot Hossain (5*) were at the crease. With the pitch expected to ease on Day 2, Bangladesh’s failure to post a commanding first-innings total may come back to haunt them.
In contrast to the first Test in Galle — where Sri Lanka conceded nearly 500 runs — this was a spirited showing by the hosts. We were disappointed in Galle. This was much better. We’ll look to press home the advantage now,”** Kandambi said.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 220/8 in 71 overs (Shadman Islam 46, Mushfiqur Rahim 35; Sonal Dinusha 2/22, Vishwa Fernando 2/35) vs Sri Lanka.
