Galle Test: Bangladesh Take Slim Lead, Lose Two Early in Second Innings

After posting a commanding 495 in their first innings, Bangladesh managed to secure a slender 10-run lead as they bowled out Sri Lanka for 485 on Day 4 of the Galle Test. However, their second innings got off to a shaky start, losing two key wickets before tea.

Opener Anamul Haque Bijoy endured another poor outing, following up his first-innings duck with just 4 runs off 20 balls, dismissed early once again. Mominul Haque, who looked settled at the crease, departed just before the tea break, failing to convert his start into a meaningful score.

At tea, Bangladesh reached 65 for 2 in 22 overs, with Shadman Islam unbeaten on 44 off 67 balls and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto not out on 2. Their overall lead stands at 75 runs heading into the final session of Day 4.

Earlier in the day, Nayeem Hasan starred with the ball, claiming his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket—his first outside Bangladesh. The off-spinner bowled a marathon 43.2 overs, conceding 121 runs for his five wickets, including key scalps to break Sri Lanka’s resistance. This also marked his second five-for against Sri Lanka in Tests.

Following Nayeem’s efforts, Sri Lanka collapsed from 465/6 to 485 all out, losing their final four wickets for just 20 runs. Bangladesh now face a critical phase with the bat, aiming to set a challenging target on a pitch that is starting to show signs of wear.