The Tigers registered historic win in their memorable 100th Test as Bangladesh posted a four-wicket victory over the hosts Sri Lanka in their second Test on the fifth and final day at P Sara Oval in Colombo on Sunday. It was first Test victory for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka after getting Test status in June 2000. By virtue of yesterday’s victory, Bangladesh also drew the two-Test series 1-1.
Earlier, Australia, West Indies and Pakistan won their respective 100th Test.
It was Tigers’ 9th victory in the five-day elite cricket competition after defeating Zimbabwe on five occasions in 14 Test matches, West Indies twice in 12 encounters and England on one occasion playing ten longer version matches.
Deciding to bat first, Sri Lanka made 338 in the first innings on the second day (Thursday).
In reply, Bangladesh piled up a huge total of 467 in the first innings on the third day (Friday).
Later , Sri Lanka made 319 in the second innings on the fifth day (Sunday).
Chasing 191 runs to win, Bangladesh reached the winning target making exact 191 for the loss of six wickets on the fifth day.
Bangladesh faced an early debacle as they lost their two wickets for just 22 runs.
Opener Soumya Sarkar (10) was caught at the long-off by Upul Tharanga off Rangana Herath.
Then Imrul Kayes arrived at the crease but his innings was short-lived as Kayes (0) was caught at the slip by Asela Gunaratne from a delivery of Rangana Herath when the team’s total was 22 for the loss of two wickets.
Opener Tamim Iqbal and Sabbir Rahman rescued their team from catastrophe as they put on together 109 runs in the third wicket stand before Tamim Iqbal was caught at the mid-off by Dinesh Chandimal off Dilruwan Perera when the Tigers’ score was 131 for the loss of three wickets.
Tamim knocked a terrific 82. His 125-ball innings was studded with seven fours and a sixer. It was Iqbal’s 23rd Test half century. Earlier, Tamim hit a sparkle 49 in the first innings. Tamim Iqbal was adjudged the Man of the Match for his consistent batting performance.
After dismissal of Tamim, Sabbir Rahman was trapped leg before wicket by Dilruwan Perera when the team’s total was 143 for the loss of four wickets. Sabbir hit a polished 41. His 76-ball knock was belted with five fours.
After departure of Sabbir, Shakib Al Hasan (15) was bowled out by Dilruwan Perera when the hosts’ score was 162 for the loss of five wickets.
Then Mushfiqur Rahim and Mosaddek Hossain contributed together 27 runs for the sixth wicket partnership before Mosaddek Hossain (13) was caught behind by wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella off Rangana Herath when the team’s total was 189 for the loss of six wickets.
After departure of Mosaddek, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehedi Hasan Miraz brought their team to reach the winning target.
Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten with 22. He hit just one four in his 45-ball patient knock.
Mehedi Hasan Miraz remained unbeaten with two runs.
Dilruwan Perera and Rangana Herath bagged three wickets each for 59 and 75 runs respectively.
Earlier, Sri Lanka were at the stumps at 268 for the loss of eight wickets on the fourth day (Saturday).
Dilruwan Perera and Suranga Lakmal resumed their second innings with the over-night score of 26 and 16 runs respectively.
Then they added together 50 runs more in the ninth wicket partnership on the fifth day before Dilruwan Perera was run out by a joint-effort of Subhashis Roy and Mehedi Hasan Miraz when the islanders total was 318 for the loss of nine wickets.
Later, Suranga Lakmal was caught at the long-off by Mosaddek Hossain off Shakib Al Hasan when the islanders’ innings came to an end.
Perera knocked a calm 50 from 174 balls featuring six fours, while Lakmal hit 42 off 48 balls with four fours.
Shakib Al Hasan was adjudged the Player of the Series for his all-round performance. He scored 162 runs in two Tests and captured nine wickets.
