DHAKA, March 23, 2024 (BSS)—Sri Lanka took a complete control of the two-match series opening cricket Test against Bangladesh just after the day 2 of the game at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. 

At stumps on Day 2, Sri Lanka extended their lead to 211 on a spicy wicket after reaching 119-5 in their second innings. 

The visitors earned a 92 runs lead in the first innings, courtesy to Bangladesh’s batting frailties which saw the home side being all out for paltry 188 in their first innings. 

Sri Lanka posted 280 in their first innings, recovering from a batting collapse unlike Bangladesh. 

Opener Dimuth Karunaratne hit a half-century to help Sri Lanka tighten its grip indeed amid a second innings batting collapse. His 52 off 101, that included seven fours and one six was key in helping the side take the lead past 200.

But Bangladesh pacers once again shined in with the cherry. 

Nahid Rana who had figures of 3-87 on his debut innings dealt a double strike, leaving Sri Lanka at 32-2 at the outset of their second innings. 

Rana who finished with 2-42, had opener Nishan Madushka caught by wicket-keeper Liton Das for 10 with a delivery that moved sharply to take the outside edge.

He then took the big wicket of Kusal Mendis (3) with a bouncer that unsettled the batter. 

Spinners Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz put Sri Lanka in further trouble, dismissing Angelo Mathews (22) and Dinesh Chandimal (0) in consecutive overs but Karunaratne held firm, ensuring that Sri Lanka would gain the upper-hand. 

He and captain Dhananjaya de Silva who hit a century in the first innings, added 49-run for the fifth wicket before pacer Shoriful Islam employed short ball trick successfully to get the better of Karunaratna.

De Silva was batting on 23 with nightwatchman Vishwa Fernando on 2. With Kamindu Mendis yet to bat, Sri Lanka looked likely to push Bangladesh for a big chase in fourth innings. 

Vishwa Fernando earlier wrecked Bangladesh with brilliant pace bowling to help Sri Lanka earn a healthy lead. Fast bowler Lahiru Kumara (3-31) and Kasun Rajitha (3-56) played their part well to worsen Bangladesh further. 

Taijul Islam who came as a nightwatchman on Day 1, top-scored for the side with 47 and Liton Das made 25.

Resuming at 32-3, Taijul started the day with a four through point off Rajitha but Sri Lanka needed very little time to strike.

Kumara dismissed Mahmudul Hasan for 12, with a fuller, swinging delivery that took the outside edge.

Kumara’s probing line and length  earned him another wicket soon after when he dismissed Shahadat Hossain with extra bounce, ending a 30-run partnership.

Kumara bowled Liton Das with a full delivery after tormenting him repeatedly. Liton, who scored 25 off 43 with four boundaries, added 41 runs with Taijul.

Fernando who took two wickets on day 1, cleaned up the tail.

A total of 13 wickets tumbled on Day 1 when Sri Lanka’s first innings was bolstered by centuries from skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis. Both scored 102 to lead the recovery after Sri Lanka had slipped to 57-5.