Are Spinners Leading Sri Lanka Towards an Innings Victory?

Colombo, June 27 (NationPress) Kusal Mendis made a significant contribution with the bat as Sri Lanka's spinners, spearheaded by Prabath Jayasuriya, pushed Bangladesh to the edge of an innings defeat during Day Three of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. Mendis’ composed score of 84 allowed the hosts to extend their lead to 211 runs, leaving Bangladesh's second innings faltering against relentless spin, ending the day still 96 runs behind with just four wickets remaining.

The morning started with Bangladesh hopeful of a comeback. Pathum Nissanka, who had anchored Sri Lanka’s innings with a remarkable 150, was dismissed early, chipping a delivery from Taijul Islam to short cover, receiving a standing ovation as he left the field.

Taijul struck again shortly after, sending Dhananjaya de Silva back with an arm ball that went through his defenses. Kamindu Mendis attempted to counterattack with some crisp boundaries against the pace bowlers, but Nahid Rana dismissed nightwatchman Jayasuriya, who was caught at slip after a sharp chance was juggled and held by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

With Sri Lanka struggling, Kusal Mendis stepped in to stabilize the innings. He and Kamindu formed a 49-run partnership that frustrated the Bangladeshi bowlers and allowed the lead to grow.

Kusal balanced caution and aggression, taking advantage of short deliveries and managing his strike efficiently. His confidence soared as he reached his fifty, but the partnership ended when Nayeem Hasan bowled a delivery that sneaked past Kamindu’s inside edge and hit the stumps.

The lower order contributed adequately to increase Sri Lanka’s lead. Tharindu Ratnayake impressed on his debut, starting with a six over long-on and assisting Kusal in managing the strike. However, his adventurous batting led to his downfall, as he was caught out on a deep delivery from Taijul.

Kusal, eager to push the lead further, was run out for 83 while attempting a risky second run, undone by a magnificent throw from Ebadot Hossain. Sri Lanka’s innings concluded at 458, with Taijul bagging five wickets.

Faced with a daunting target of 211 runs, Bangladesh needed a resilient batting display, but Sri Lanka’s spinners swiftly extinguished any hopes of a recovery. The openers started brightly, but just as Anamul Haque looked settled, he fell to the last ball before tea, toe-ending a short ball to short midwicket, which marked the beginning of the collapse.

After the break, Jayasuriya tightened his grip on the match. Shadman Islam nicked behind off his second ball of the session. Najmul Hossain Shanto survived several close calls but ultimately succumbed to Dhananjaya, bowled by an arm ball.

Mominul Haque was also dismissed by Dhananjaya, caught off a delivery that spun sharply. Mushfiqur Rahim fought hard, but late in the day, Jayasuriya delivered a ball that turned just enough to clip his off stump. Mehidy Hasan Miraz became the sixth batter to fall, trapped in front by Tharindu after a successful review.

At stumps, Bangladesh was struggling at 115 for 6, still 96 runs away from making Sri Lanka bat again. On a turning pitch, with Sri Lanka’s spinners in top form, the hosts face a monumental task merely to push the game into a fourth day. Unless a miracle occurs, Sri Lanka is on track to secure a series-clinching victory.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh 247 & 115/6 in 38.4 overs (Mushfiqur Rahim 26, Litton Das 13; Dhananjaya de Silva 2-13, Prabath Jayasuriya 2-47) trail Sri Lanka 458 all out in 116.5 overs (Pathum Nissanka 158, Dinesh Chandimal 93; Taijul Islam 5-131, Nayeem Hasan 3-85) by 96 runs.