The second Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka took a thrilling turn on Day 4, as the visitors tightened their grip on the match with an impressive display of all-round cricket. With just three wickets away from victory, Sri Lanka’s bowlers showcased their prowess, leaving Bangladesh facing a monumental task to salvage the game.
Sri Lanka puts a massive target on the board
After resuming their innings at 102/6, Sri Lanka declared at 157/7, setting a daunting target of 511 runs for Bangladesh. It is worth mentioning that despite bowling out Bangladesh for a mere 178 in their first innings, Sri Lanka opted not to enforce the follow-on, displaying confidence in their ability to dominate the game in all aspects and even succeeded in their mission.
Bangladesh’s lineup falls like a house of cards
Bangladesh’s batting lineup faced an uphill battle from the outset of their chase. While Mominul Haque‘s resilient fifty provided a glimmer of hope for the hosts, wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 268-7 by the close of play on Day 4. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz remained unbeaten on 44, offering a ray of hope for Bangladesh’s survival.
The challenge ahead for Bangladesh is monumental, requiring them to chase down 243 runs on the final day to avoid defeat. With Sri Lanka’s bowlers in commanding form, the task ahead for the hosts appears daunting.
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Bowlers shine for Sri Lanka
Key contributions from bowlers such as Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Lahiru Kumara played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s dominance on Day 4. Their collective effort not only restricted Bangladesh’s batting lineup but also put the visitors in a commanding position to clinch the victory.
A win in this Test would mark a clean sweep for Sri Lanka, following their victory in the first game. It underscores the team’s dominance in the series and their determination to assert their superiority over the hosts.
As the final day of the Test approaches, all eyes will be on Bangladesh’s resilience and Sri Lanka’s quest for victory. With the outcome hanging in the balance, cricket enthusiasts can expect an exhilarating conclusion to what has been a captivating Test match between two competitive sides.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
The Bangladesh team is on the verge of being whitewashed in the Test series at home. In this series, Bangladesh has shown how terrible fielding and batting can be done. Litton has shown just how awful it can be to get out. 🇱🇰 need 3 wickets on Day 5 🇧🇩 need 243 runs.#BANvSL#Bcb pic.twitter.com/ij8MiyLzAh
— Md Ifran Ali Bijoy 🇧🇩 (@IfranAliBijoy20) April 2, 2024
A dominant bowling performance by the Lankans! 🇱🇰
Bangladesh bowled out for 178 in the first innings, with Asitha Fernando leading the charge with a brilliant 4-wicket haul! Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya chipped in with 2 wickets each.#BANvSL pic.twitter.com/edMCpi2zeA
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) April 1, 2024
🇧🇩🇧🇩6th wicket by Lahiru Kumara Excellent 🏏👍
Litton Das is out with 38 runs pic.twitter.com/QOXi9BITrI— Francis Des (@FrancisDes1) April 2, 2024
Bangladesh Srilanka on-going test match – both team printing money in sessions.
— Lost Punter 🏏 (@PunterLost) April 2, 2024
Bangladesh have managed to survive on Day 4 of the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka#BANvsSL #cricket
Scorecard: https://t.co/U2eNN1L3ki #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/8o9Dc2Tbva— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 2, 2024
Highest team scores in a Test innings when nobody scored a century :-
531 – by Sri Lanka🇱🇰 v BAN, today
524/9d – by India🇮🇳 v NZ, 1976
520/7d – by Australia🇦🇺 v WI, 2009
517 – by South Africa🇿🇦 v AUS, 1998
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.#Dhananjayadesilva #Kamindumendis #BANVSL #SriLanka #SLvsBAN pic.twitter.com/r0EBnNfkEu— AKMAL FALEEL 🇱🇰 (@iamAkmal_1993) April 1, 2024
Bangladesh has not won any test match against India, Pakistan and has won only 1 test against Sri Lanka so far. Pathetic performance by any standard.
— Vinay Vashistha (@VinayVashistha1) April 2, 2024
Kamindu Mendis is getting closer to the MoS award. #BANvSL
— Sandu Vithana (@sandu6v) April 2, 2024
Mominul Haque – A Lone Warrior 💔
After a great temper fifty, Mominul falls down and missed an opportunity to build another big innings ❌#BANvSL pic.twitter.com/ykWfkBriSZ
— Omar Faruque (@OmarFar46196492) April 2, 2024
Nice resistance from Bangladesh but still 243 away, Sri Lanka need 3 wickets to make it 2-0 #BANvSL
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) April 2, 2024
