Bangladesh face threat of innings defeat

Bangladesh are staring at an innings defeat—and a series loss—against Sri Lanka in the Colombo Test.

To avoid an innings defeat, Bangladesh still need 96 more runs with only four wickets in hand.

Sri Lanka’s first innings came to an end on day three of the Test with a commanding total of 458. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a superb 158, while Kusal Mendis added a quickfire 84.

For Bangladesh, Taijul Islam was the standout performer, claiming five wickets.

Bangladesh, trailing by 211 runs, ended Friday on 115 for 6.

Sri Lanka had resumed the day on 290 for 2 at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground. Taijul removed Nissanka early in the day, ending his innings at 158 off 254 balls. In the previous Test, Nissanka had scored 187.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva and nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya didn’t last long. Kamindu Mendis, who made 33, was bowled by a brilliant delivery from Nayeem Hasan.

Kusal Mendis powered Sri Lanka past the 450 mark with an entertaining 84 off 87 balls. Unfortunately, he missed out on a hundred after being run out while attempting a second run.

This was Taijul’s 17th five-wicket haul in Tests. Among Bangladeshi bowlers, he now shares the record for most five-wicket hauls abroad (5) with Shakib Al Hasan.

In their second innings, Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals. Although every batter reached double figures, none managed to go past 30. Some were dismissed by quality deliveries, others threw their wickets away—leaving the team staring at a heavy defeat.