Galle Test: Bangladesh Earns 10-Run First Innings Lead as Nayeem Claims Five

Bangladesh secured a slender 10-run first innings lead in the Galle Test after bowling out Sri Lanka for 485 on Day 4. The hosts collapsed dramatically, losing their final four wickets for just 20 runs after reaching 465/6 at lunch.

Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan led the charge with a superb spell, picking up his fourth career five-wicket haul—his first outside Bangladesh. He finished with figures of 5 for 121 in 43.2 overs, marking his second five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh had earlier posted 495 all out in their first innings. Sri Lanka started the day at 375/4, but Nayeem quickly removed captain Dhananjaya de Silva (19), caught behind by Litton Das. Soon after, Hasan Mahmud dismissed Kusal Mendis for 5, reducing the hosts to 385/6.

A stabilizing 79-run partnership between Kamindu Mendis and Milin Rathnayake followed. Kamindu was fluent, scoring 83 off 139 balls, while debutant Rathnayake held on with a gritty 38 off 76.

But post-lunch, the tail crumbled. Kamindu fell just short of a maiden Test century, and Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out in 131.2 overs—still trailing Bangladesh by 10 runs.

Key Performers:

• 🇧🇩 Nayeem Hasan: 5/121 (43.2 overs)

• 🇧🇩 Hasan Mahmud: 2 wickets

• 🇱🇰 Kamindu Mendis: 83 (139 balls)

• 🇱🇰 Milin Rathnayake: 38 (76 balls)

With the match entering its final phase, all eyes now shift to Bangladesh’s second innings as they look to set a challenging target and push for a result in Galle.