Can Nayeem's five-wicket haul and Shadman's fifty secure victory for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka?
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Synopsis
As Bangladesh and Sri Lanka go head-to-head in a thrilling Test match, the balance hangs in the air. With Nayeem Hasan’s spectacular five-wicket haul and Shadman Islam’s resilient fifty, Bangladesh leads by 187 runs. Will they capitalize on this advantage and secure victory on the final day? Stay tuned for an exciting conclusion!
Key Takeaways
- Nayeem Hasan claimed 5 wickets, showcasing exceptional bowling skills.
- Shadman Islam scored a crucial 76 runs, contributing significantly to the second innings.
- The pitch at Galle is deteriorating, impacting gameplay.
- Bangladesh leads by 187 runs, providing them a slight edge.
- Both teams are under pressure as the match approaches its final day.
Galle, June 20 (NationPress) Following four days of intense and fluctuating Test cricket at the Galle International Stadium, the inaugural Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh remains finely balanced, with all three potential outcomes still conceivable. At the conclusion of Day 4, Bangladesh has scored 177 for 3 in their second innings, boasting a lead of 187 runs over Sri Lanka with seven wickets still intact.
With captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and seasoned batsman Mushfiqur Rahim — both of whom scored centuries in the first innings — currently at the crease, Bangladesh holds a narrow advantage heading into the final day, yet the match is far from secure.
The day commenced with Sri Lanka aiming to seize a first-innings lead as they resumed at 430/6. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers, spearheaded by the sharp Nayeem Hasan, had other intentions. The home side experienced a shocking collapse, losing their last four wickets for merely 15 runs, ending their innings at 485 — 10 runs short of Bangladesh’s total of 495.
Nayeem was the standout performer, achieving a well-earned five-wicket haul (5-121), marking his fourth in Test cricket. He skillfully maneuvered the Galle surface, enticing the ball, adjusting its dip, and utilizing rough patches to dismiss crucial players such as Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis (87), and Tharindu Ratnayake in rapid succession.
Kamindu appeared untroubled during much of the morning, extending a vital 79-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Milan Rathnayake (39), but Bangladesh’s determination bore fruit with a series of quick wickets before and after lunch. The final blow was struck when Nayeem bowled Asitha Fernando with a classic offspinner’s delivery that turned sharply past the bat, concluding Sri Lanka’s innings.
Holding a slender 10-run lead, Bangladesh began their second innings cautiously, but faced early setbacks as Anamul Haque fell for 4 and Mominul Haque departed for 14, both dismissed before tea. Nevertheless, the visitors regrouped through a measured partnership between Shadman Islam and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Shadman was particularly commendable, achieving a gritty fifty before being dismissed lbw to Milan Rathnayake for 76.
While Bangladesh has demonstrated greater control in their second innings, Galle’s pitch — notorious for deteriorating swiftly — has kept both teams on high alert. The bounce has become erratic, and spin is increasingly taking the spotlight.
This scenario implies that although Bangladesh may aim to extend their lead to approximately 300, they must do so swiftly to allow themselves sufficient time to bowl out Sri Lanka again. However, scoring too rapidly introduces the familiar risk of a collapse — a tendency that has plagued both teams throughout this match.
With seven wickets remaining and two seasoned batsmen at the crease, Bangladesh will commence Day 5 with an opportunity to dictate the course of the game.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh 495 & 177/3 in 57 overs (Shadman Islam 76, Najmul Hossain Shanto 56; Milan Rathnayake 1/13, Prabath Jayasuriya 1/48) leads Sri Lanka 485 all out in 131.2 overs (Pathum Nissanka 187, Dinesh Chandimal 54; Nayeem Hasan 5/121, Hasan Mahmud 3/74) by 187 runs
Point of View
I believe that the ongoing Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka exemplifies the unpredictable nature of cricket. With both teams having their moments, it is crucial for Bangladesh to harness their current advantage while remaining aware of the threats posed by the Sri Lankan side. A fair contest that reflects the spirit of the game is what we, at NationPress, champion.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Nayeem Hasan's performance in the match?
Nayeem Hasan delivered an outstanding performance, claiming five wickets for 121 runs, marking his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, significantly contributing to Bangladesh's strong position in the match.
How did Shadman Islam perform in the second innings?
Shadman Islam played a vital role in Bangladesh's second innings, scoring a resilient 76 runs, including a gritty fifty that helped stabilize the team's batting after early wickets.
What is the current situation in the Test match?
As of Day 4, Bangladesh is leading by 187 runs with a score of 177 for 3 in their second innings, while Sri Lanka has been bowled out for 485 in their first innings.
What challenges do both teams face on the final day?
Both teams are facing a deteriorating pitch at Galle, which has become uneven and spin-friendly, making it crucial for Bangladesh to bat strategically while aiming to set a challenging target for Sri Lanka.
What are the implications of the match results?
The outcome of this Test match could significantly impact both teams' standings, with Bangladesh looking to secure a series lead and Sri Lanka aiming for a comeback.
