“Sri Lanka Secures Commanding 328-Run Victory Over Bangladesh in First Test”
Sri Lanka asserted their dominance with a resounding 328-run win over Bangladesh in the opening Test held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday (25). This victory further solidifies Sri Lanka’s unbeaten record in Test series against Bangladesh.
In the first innings, Sri Lanka set the tone by posting a competitive total of 280 runs, to which Bangladesh managed to respond with 188 runs. The lions then showcased their batting prowess by amassing a formidable 418 runs in their second innings. Notably, both first innings centurions, de Silva and Kamindu Mendis, achieved centuries once again in the match, becoming only the third pair from the same country to accomplish such a feat in Test cricket history, following Australia’s Chappell brothers and Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali. Remarkably, Kamindu Mendis also etched his name in the record books by becoming the first player to score twin centuries at No. 7 or below in a Test match.
With a daunting target of 510 runs set by Sri Lanka, Bangladesh struggled to make headway and were reduced to 129 for 7 by lunch on the fourth day, having begun the day at 47 for 5. The dismissal of night-watchman Taijul Islam early on day four further weakened Bangladesh’s resolve, as he fell for a mere six runs, trapped LBW.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers continued their dominance in the second innings, with Kasun Rajitha claiming an impressive five-wicket haul, supported by Vishwa Fernando who secured three crucial wickets.
Looking ahead, the second and final match of the series is scheduled to take place in Chittagong from March 30, where both teams will seek to make their mark once again.
