Bangladesh moved into a commanding position in the first Test against Sri Lanka as Day 4 concluded at the Galle International Stadium. A sensational five-wicket haul by off-spinner Nayeem Hasan and a composed 76 from Shadman Islam left the visitors leading by 187 runs with seven wickets in hand, setting the stage for a dramatic final day.
Sri Lanka’s First-Innings Collapse
Sri Lanka resumed at 368/4, propped up by Pathum Nissanka’s majestic 187. However, the momentum shifted post-lunch as Bangladesh’s spin attack—led by Nayeem—triggered a collapse: four wickets for just 15 runs, culminating in a total of 485, ten runs short of Bangladesh’s first-innings 495.
My variation was the key. … tried to bowl at one area and keep changing the seam position … depending on the batsman, I tried to vary the lines … it paid off.
He proved adept at exploiting the pitch’s turn and bounce, breaking crucial partnerships with guile and discipline.
Bangladesh Seize Momentum with Shadman’s Knock
Bangladesh’s second innings stumbled early, with Anamul Haque out for 4 and Mominul Haque for 14. But a steadying partnership between Shadman Islam (76) and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (56*) restored control. Shadman’s knock, anchored with patience and soft hands, was pivotal in preventing Sri Lanka’s bowlers from seizing momentum.
We knew the pitch would bite later, so we needed to build with caution.
His composed innings, especially under spinning conditions, underscores why Bangladesh now hold a strong position. With 177/3 in 57 overs, Bangladesh lead by 187 runs and retain ample batting resources. They aim to extend the lead to 250–300 before declaring — launching a substantial challenge to Sri Lanka.
As the pitch continues to deteriorate, Sri Lanka must strike early on Day 5. Even a modest target above 250 could be insurmountable in the fourth innings on this surface.
Bangladesh are firmly in the driver’s seat — if they can bat long into Day 5 before declaring, Sri Lanka will face a daunting chase under increasingly spin-friendly conditions.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh: 495 & 177/3 (Shadman Islam 76, Najmul Hossain Shanto 56*; Milan Rathnayake 1/13, Prabath Jayasuriya 1/48)
Sri Lanka: 485 all out (Pathum Nissanka 187, Kamindu Mendis 87, Dinesh Chandimal 54; Nayeem Hasan 5/121, Hasan Mahmud 3/74) Lead: Bangladesh by 187 runs, with 7 wickets in hand.
