Bangladesh took firm control on the fourth day of the Galle Test as opener Shadman Islam showed grit with the bat and off-spinner Naim Hasan claimed his fifth five-wicket haul in Tests.
After trailing in the first innings by just 10 runs, Bangladesh’s second innings began cautiously. Shadman weathered a hostile spell from Asitha Fernando, absorbing pressure as fielders crowded around him.
One particular over captured the tone. Asitha’s deliveries struck Shadman repeatedly, almost clipping his stumps. But the opener stood tall, driving straight for four to ease the tension.
That shot summed up Bangladesh’s approach in the final session—measured but firm.
Shadman partnered with Najmul Hossain Shanto to rebuild. Shadman brought up his sixth Test fifty. Shanto followed, scoring a half-century of his own.
The two pushed the lead past Galle’s third-innings average of 239. But Shadman missed out on a hundred. He was trapped lbw by Milan Rathnayake for 76.
He did enough. Bangladesh was now in a strong position.
Earlier, Enamul Haque Bijoy again failed to deliver. Dismissed for just four, he offered a catch to Kusal Mendis off Prabath Jayasuriya. Mominul Haque followed soon, caught off Tharindu Ratnayake while attempting a sweep.
But with Shadman and Shanto at the crease, Bangladesh’s middle order steadied.
Naim’s Magic With the Ball
Bangladesh’s bowlers had already turned the game in the morning session.
Resuming at 368 for 4, Sri Lanka’s hopes rested on captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis. But in just the third over of the day, Naim removed de Silva for 19.
Litton Das took a sharp catch behind the stumps.
Kusal Mendis soon followed. Hasan Mahmud induced an edge, and Litton’s diving catch sealed the wicket.
Read Also: Bangladesh Honors Angelo Mathews With Guard of Honor in His Final Test
Sri Lanka was under pressure at 386 for 6. Kamindu and Milan Rathnayake tried to resist. Kamindu crossed 50 and was heading toward a century.
But Naim returned and dismissed both in quick succession—Milan for 39 and Kamindu for 87.
Tharindu Ratnayake fell in the same over without scoring. Asitha Fernando was bowled soon after.
Naim dropped to his knees in a moment of prayer after securing his five-for.
Fielding Woes, Brief Injury Scare
Bangladesh’s fielding wasn’t flawless. Several dropped catches allowed the Sri Lankan lower order to drag their total up.
Naim also took a knock to his hand while fielding, raising concerns. Physios treated him quickly, and he stayed on the field.
Sri Lanka was eventually bowled out, ending their first innings 128 runs behind Bangladesh.
Looking Ahead
With a solid lead in hand and Shanto still at the crease, Bangladesh eyes a series lead.
Questions remain. Will Bangladesh bat deep into Day 5? Can Sri Lanka respond with the ball?
For now, the hosts are playing catch-up. And Bangladesh, guided by experience and discipline, seems one step ahead.
