Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh fought back making 312 in the first innings against Sri Lanka on the third day of the 1st Test at Galle International Stadium in Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Earlier, Sri Lanka piled up a mammoth total of 494 in the first innings on the second day (Wednesday).
Bangladesh scored 133 for the loss of two wickets at the close of the second day’s play.
Soumya Sarkar and Mushfiqur Rahim resumed their first innings with the over-night score of 66 and one runs respectively.
But Soumya Sarkar was caught at the fine leg by Lahiru Kumara off Suranga Lakmal after adding just five runs when the tourists’ total was 142 for the loss of three wickets.
Then Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan put on together 28 runs for the fourth wicket stand before Shakib Al Hasan (23) was caught behind by wicketkeeper Noroshan Dickwella off Lakshan Sandakan when Bangladesh’s score was 170 for the loss of four wickets.
Mushfiqur Rahim was the day’s most successful batsman. He led his team from the frontline making a calm 85. His 161-ball innings was ornamented with eight fours and one six. Mushfiq reached his 16th Test fifty-run landmark playing 107 balls with four fours and a sixer.
After dismissal of Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad (8) was bowled out by Lahiru Kumara when Bangladesh’s total was 184 for the loss of five wickets.
Fifth-down Liton Das (5) was caught at the slip by Asela Gunaratne off Rangana Herath when the visitors’ score was 192 for the loss of six wickets.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehedi Hasan Miraz built a worthy partnership. They put on together 106 runs for the seven-wicket stand before Mahedi Hasan Miraz was trapped leg before wicket by Dilruwan Perera when the Tigers’ total was 298 for the loss of seven wickets.
Miraz notched up a polished 41. His 77-ball knock was belted with five fours.
After departure of Miraz, Taskin Ahmed arrived at the crease but he could play just one ball as he (0) was trapped leg before wicket by Perera when Bangladesh’s score was 298 for the loss of seven wickets.
Then Mushfiqur Rahim was bowled out by Rangana Herath when the tourists’ total was 308 for the loss of nine wickets.
Then rain interrupted the play and the umpires announced the tea-break.
After the tea-break, Bangladesh batsman could play just two balls as Mustafizur Rahman (4) was caught by Dilruwan Perera off Rangana Herath when the visitors innings came to an end.
After dismissal of Mustafizur Rahman, it rained heavily and rest of the time of third day play could not held.
Dilruwan Perera and Rangana Herath grabbed three wickets each at the cost of 53 and 72 runs respectively.
Besides, Suranga Lakmal, Lakshan Sandakan, Lahiru Kumara took one wicket each for 42, 69 and 70 runs respectively.
