Taijul’s Five-For Restricts Sri Lanka to 458, Bangladesh Trail by 211 in Second Innings

Sri Lanka’s first innings ended at 458 runs, thanks largely to Taijul Islam’s five-wicket haul. That left Bangladesh trailing by 211 runs as they began their second innings.

Unlike his first-innings duck, opener Anamul Haque Bijoy managed 19 runs this time. His dismissal brought the tea break on Day 3 in Colombo.

The first two days of the Colombo Test had been frustrating for Bangladesh, but they mounted a strong fightback on the third day. At the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, the Tigers took 8 Sri Lankan wickets across the first two sessions before beginning their second innings, only to lose Anamul again.

Anamul Haque Bijoy once more failed to deliver in Colombo, falling cheaply in the second innings. Facing Asitha Fernando in the seventh over, he tried to pull but was caught at short leg. Before departing, he struck 2 boundaries and a six in his 19-ball 19.

At the other end, fellow opener Sadman Islam remained unbeaten on 12 off 22 deliveries. By tea, Bangladesh had reached 31 for 1 in 6.5 overs of their second innings, still trailing Sri Lanka by 180 runs.