Sri Lanka VS Bangladesh Test Series 
First Test Played at Pallekele, Candy 

Brief Scorecard at Stumps Day Two

Bangladesh 474/4 (Nazmul Hossain Shanto 163, Mominul Haq 127, Tamim Iqbal 90, Mushfiqur Rahim 43*, Liton K Das 25*, Vishwa Fernando 2/75) 

Passionate and planned batting by Bangladeshi batsmen led Bangladesh to a commanding position at stumps of day two. When bad light stopped play Bangladesh was sitting pretty at 474/4. 242 runs 3rd wicket partnership between Nazmul Shanto and Mominul Haq may turn out as match defining. Bangladesh should bat another session on day three and try to add 100 -125 runs. 600 would put enormous pressure on Sri Lanka for batting to save the match. On the other hand it would be task of Bangladeshi bowlers and fielders pressing for a win.

Bangladesh started day two at 302/2 . Shanto and Mominul batted with patience and passion. Sri Lankan bowlers did not offer free bees. The batsmen defended resolutely. When opportunity came for scoring they grabbed with both hands. The first session Bangladesh pair spent without losing any wicket. Shanto eventually scored his first 150, Mominul approached his first century away from home . All his previous 10 test centuries were scored at home. The 3rd wicket partnership grew to 242 when Shanto trying to force Kumara offered him a return catch. His career best 163 was well composed and played with touch of maturity.  He batted for 378 balls in his innings, which evidences his tenacity and hunger for runs. Mominul reached his century after lunch and with Mushfique added another 50 runs before getting out after scoring 123. Mominul with 11 test centuries has the record of highest test centuries. When play was stopped for the day Mushfique was batting on 43 and Liton was with him on 25 . Bangladesh may like to bat for another session in efforts to reaching 600, From there on the task for making Bangladesh proud again would be vested on bowlers and fielders. Mominul will have his disposal 3 pacers and two spinners for the hunt. Bangladesh would also needing fielding smartly and taking all the catches. The dry wicket may start gripping and turning.

Bangladesh have scored more runs in test innings but cannot say they batted with such maturity and assurance ever. Apart from Saif missing out all batsmen batted diligently. Bangladesh did not hurry for runs at any stage on day two. If they did it they could be all out scoring 400 or less than that. But batting smartly Bangladeshi batsmen put their team in commanding position. 

BDST: 1922 HRS, APR 22, 2021
SMS