A tense fifth day at the Galle International Stadium ended in a hard-fought draw, but both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were left wondering what might have been. With the pitch offering sharp turn late in the game and some rain-induced disruption, a decisive result slipped just out of reach.
Bangladesh declared their second innings at 285/6, setting Sri Lanka a target of 296 in 40 overs, but the hosts played it safe and finished on 72/4 from 32 overs, with Taijul Islam’s 3/23 threatening a late twist.
‘Too many runs conceded’: De Silva rues first-innings bowling
For Sri Lanka, the match's direction was lost in the first innings, conceded captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who pointed to the bowlers’ inefficiency on a flat wicket.
I always talk about the first innings. The grip went from our hand the way we bowled. It was a flat wicket, but too many runs (conceded) in the first innings, and that is an area we have to cover.
Pressed on whether the bowling attack could have been selected differently, the skipper backed his players.
"Not at all, they tried their best. The wicket was flat, and Shanto and Mushi batted really well. We got early breakthroughs but they did not give us a chance to get into the game."
They (the spinners) had their plans – that is the beauty of Test cricket, batters can absorb the pressure and put it onto us.
Bangladesh lose time, not control
Bangladesh had reasons to believe they could have pushed harder for a win, especially after Najmul Hossain Shanto (125) completed his second century of the match. But the rain delay after lunch, lasting over two and a half hours, disrupted the visitors’ momentum.
Yes, but the rain suddenly came and the plan suddenly changed. We cannot control those things.
"The way Taijul and Nayeem bowled (after the declaration) was really good. In these conditions, the way Nayeem bowled in the first innings, was brilliant. He did not have many chances but his work ethic is brilliant and today, he showed how good he is."
Shanto’s second century of the match came after the restart, but the visitors added just 19 runs in that cautious phase, losing two wickets before finally counter-attacking. The eventual declaration, however, came a touch late with only 37 overs remaining.
Taijul, Nayeem turn up the heat
Bangladesh’s spinners made life difficult for the Sri Lankan batters in the fourth innings, particularly Taijul Islam, who dismissed Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal in quick succession. Despite the late charge, Sri Lanka’s defensive approach and poor light ensured there would be no final twist.
Positives for both sides
While the draw may feel like a missed opportunity, there were positives for both sides. Bangladesh’s top order impressed with the bat — Shanto (148 & 125) and Mushfiqur Rahim (163 & 49) were in commanding touch. Litton Das chipped in with 80, while Nayeem Hasan’s 5-151 in the first innings was a standout bowling effort.
For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka’s majestic 187 anchored the hosts’ first innings. Contributions from Kamindu Mendis (87) and Chandimal (54) also helped them post 485.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 495 & 285/6 decl. in 87 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 125, Mushfiqur Rahim 49; Tharindu Rathnayake 3/102) Sri Lanka 485 & 72/4 in 32 overs (Pathum Nissanka 24, Kamindu Mendis 12; Taijul Islam 3/23) Match drawn.
