Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: 1st Test, Day 5: 5 Talking Points

Taking over from their previous score of 64 for no loss, Bangladesh today succumbed into the pressure giving a massive 259-run victory to the hosts. Apart from Soumya Sarkar, Bangladesh showed a complete lackadaisical attitude as the entire team got out for 197 at 61^st over of the fourth innings.

Once again, the Sri Lankan veteran left-arm orthodox Rangana Herath inflicted a big catastrophe on the visitors at Galle taking his 30^th five-for in test career. Herath bowled a fantastic spell chipping in 6 for 53 while tearing into the Bangladesh’s defense in the second innings. Lanka’s batting mainstay Kusal Mendis was adjudged the man-of-the match for his fiery 194-run knock in the first innings.

Here are the Top 5 Talking Points of the day:

#1) Herath Led From the Front:

Sri Lankan test captain Rangana Herath led his team from the front. In the first innings too, he bowled beautifully picking up 3 crucial wickets for 72, and now in the Second innings he completely decimated Bangladesh with his flighted deliveries and turns, which troubled both right-handed batsmen and left-handed batsmen as well. Overall, Herath troubled Bangladesh consistently in the match picket up a total of 9 wickets in the match.

#2) Soumya Sarkar Threw Away His Wicket:

Bangladesh were chasing a mammoth 459 runs, but the team’s opener Soumya Sarkar totally misread a ball which proved very costly to his team. His wicket was very important for Bangladesh as he was already well-set in the middle. But part-timer Gunaratne eventually got his wicket as the low bounced ball drift into Sarkar’s wickets and bails came down.

#3) Mushfiqur Rahim Didn’t Play Well:

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim played a well-toiled 85-run knock in his first innings, but he couldn’t repeat the magic this time. He scored 34 (98b, 4s x 2). Rahim should have prolonged the innings to save the day, but he gave an easy catch to Dickwella off Sandakan. He is an experienced player and Bangladesh expected a fighting knock from him, but he failed.

#4) Liton Das & Mehedi Hasan Shine:

Bangladesh could have been bowled out more embarrassingly if Liton Das and Mehedi Hasan hadn’t contributed sensibly with the bat down the order. Liton Das (35) and Mehedi Hasan (28) contributed well to take the score near 200. They have definitely delayed Lanka’s victory by quite a few overs.

#5) Dilruwan Perera All-round Performance:

The outstanding performances by Rangana Herath and Kusal Mendis might have overshadowed Perera, but Perera is certainly evolving as a dependable all-rounder for Sri Lankan team. In the absence of Angelo Mathews, Perera has certainly grabbed the attention that he deserved. His fantastic 51 and 3 wickets in the first innings followed by 33-run knock and 2/66 with the ball in the second innings, proved once again that young Perera is capable of winnings big matches for his team across formats.