Cricket

Bangladesh's hopes of salvaging a draw in the second Test against Sri Lanka dwindled on day three in Sylhet as they collapsed to 43 for 5, needing an improbable 464 runs to win.Sri Lanka's lower middle order had earlier extended their dominance, with Kamindu Mendis scoring 164 and Dhananjaya de Silva completing his second century of the match. Their 173-run partnership transformed Sri Lanka's position from a comfortable lead to an utterly dominant one.Bangladesh's quicks struggled to make an impact on a pitch that still rewarded high-quality seam bowling. Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha shared the wickets, but it was Vishwa who impressed with his movement through the air and late swing.Bangladesh's batting implosion began with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's reckless dismissal, throwing his bat at a wide delivery. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shahadat Hossain also fell cheaply to Vishwa's accurate bowling.Litton Das's dismissal was the most frustrating for Bangladesh. After keeping wicket all day, he ran down the track and hoicked a delivery from Kumara straight to cover.Sri Lanka's quicks maintained their discipline, bowling testing lines and exploiting the pitch's bounce and pace. Bangladesh's spinners were unable to find purchase off the wicket, and the hosts' batting lineup crumbled under the pressure.With just five wickets remaining and two scheduled days of play left, Sri Lanka are on the brink of a comprehensive victory. Rain is forecast for Monday afternoon, but the weather in Sylhet is otherwise conducive for cricket.

Bangladesh's decision to bowl first in the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Sylhet was influenced by the moisture in the wicket from earlier rain, which captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believed would assist seam and swing bowling. The inclusion of express pacer Nahid Rana, making his international debut, added to Bangladesh's hopes of early breakthroughs.Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva also expressed a preference for bowling first, having included three seamers in their lineup. However, they opted for just one frontline spinner in Prabath Jayasuriya, with Dhananjaya providing an off-break option and ambidextrous all-rounder Kamindu Mendis offering part-time spin.The conditions in Sylhet were initially wet but improved with sunshine breaking through. The pitch had some grass, promising movement for the seamers early on, but it was expected to become more favorable for batting as the game progressed. Cracks in the surface suggested that spinners could play a role later in the Test.Bangladesh's XI featured Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Shahadat Hossain, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam.Sri Lanka's XI included Nishan Madushka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and Lahiru Kumara.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Clash in Test Series OpenerBangladesh and Sri Lanka will face off in the first match of a two-match Test series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday. Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to field first.Sri Lanka's opening pair of Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka faced the new ball from Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed. Madushka was dismissed early, caught by Mehidy Hasan at third slip off Ahmed's bowling.Kusal Mendis joined Karunaratne at the crease, and the pair steadied the innings with a cautious approach. Ahmed and Shoriful continued to bowl tightly, but the Sri Lankan batsmen managed to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking over.Bangladesh will be without their experienced batter, Mushfiqur Rahim, who sustained a thumb injury. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will miss the services of pacer Asitha Fernando due to a hamstring injury.Both teams enter the series with recent victories under their belts. Bangladesh has won three of their last five games, while Sri Lanka has also recorded three wins in their past five matches.The hosts will be confident of a positive result after defeating New Zealand in their previous Test clash. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be looking to carry their momentum from their ODI series win into the longer format.Sri Lanka will be keen to bounce back from their ODI setback and make Bangladesh work hard for victory. The visitors will rely on the experience of Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews, while Bangladesh will look to their young bowlers to make an impact.The pitch at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is expected to offer some assistance to the bowlers, particularly early on. However, it could become more difficult to bat as the game progresses.

Bangladesh's fast bowlers continue to shine, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib emerging as the latest star in their ODI triumph over Sri Lanka. The 21-year-old pacer played a pivotal role in the team's victory, claiming three crucial wickets in his opening spell.Tanzim's early strikes, which included the dismissals of Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Sadeera Samarawickrama, halted Sri Lanka's momentum and set the tone for Bangladesh's dominance. Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed also contributed with three wickets each, marking only the third time in Bangladesh's ODI history that their fast bowlers have combined for nine or more wickets in an innings.This impressive performance is a testament to Bangladesh's ongoing pace revolution, which has seen the emergence of several talented fast bowlers in recent years. Taskin and Shoriful have established themselves as key members of the team, while Tanzim's emergence provides further depth to the bowling attack.Tanzim's success is particularly noteworthy as he was replacing Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh's most experienced fast bowler. However, Tanzim has shown maturity beyond his years, impressing with his discipline, fitness, and unwavering determination.Mushfiqur Rahim, who witnessed Tanzim's performance firsthand, praised the young bowler's attitude and work ethic. He believes that Tanzim's positive mindset and commitment to excellence will inspire his teammates and contribute to Bangladesh's success in the future.The rise of Bangladesh's fast bowlers has been a major factor in their recent ODI victories, including their historic series win in South Africa in 2022. The team's bowling coach, Allan Donald, has played a significant role in transforming the attitude and fitness of the fast-bowling group, leading to improved performances.While Tanzim may not be a regular starter in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, he will be eager to maintain his discipline and performance in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup later this year. Bangladesh's fast-bowling stocks are at an all-time high, and Tanzim is determined to prove that he belongs among the best.

Najmul Hossain Shanto's second century as Bangladesh captain, a pivotal moment in his career, has earned him the admiration of his teammates and coach. Shanto's leadership has brought out the best in him as a batter, according to Mushfiqur Rahim, who witnessed Shanto's transformation firsthand.Mushfiqur praised Shanto's ability to make the most of good starts, noting his impressive innings after reaching the century. He highlighted Shanto's calm demeanor and strategic thinking, which allowed him to guide Bangladesh to victory.Coach Chandika Hathurusinghe's support has also been instrumental in Shanto's growth. The senior cricketers in the team have embraced Shanto's leadership, creating a positive atmosphere that fosters success.Mushfiqur credited Mahmudullah's contribution in setting the tone for Bangladesh's chase. He emphasized the importance of experience in handling pressure situations, particularly against top bowlers like Wanindu Hasaranga.Mushfiqur's own performance against Hasaranga was crucial in neutralizing Sri Lanka's main threat. He explained his strategy of using the sweep shot to put pressure on the legspinner.Shanto's century and the team's overall performance reflect the positive changes taking place in Bangladesh cricket. The team's focus on process and atmosphere, rather than immediate results, is paying dividends.

Sri Lanka's opening batsmen, Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, got off to a solid start in the first ODI against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Wednesday. Nissanka struck a six over mid-wicket off Taijul Islam, while Fernando hit a boundary through covers off Tanzim Hasan Sakib.However, Sakib provided the breakthrough for Bangladesh, dismissing Fernando for 24. The left-arm spinner bowled a full and wide delivery outside off, which Fernando edged to the keeper.Nissanka continued to play aggressively, hitting another boundary off Sakib and a four off Shoriful Islam. He was eventually dismissed for 35, caught behind off Taijul Islam.Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan captain, came to the crease and played a patient innings, scoring 25 off 40 balls. He was supported by Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made 22 off 33 balls.Bangladesh's bowlers kept the Sri Lankan batsmen in check, with Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam taking two wickets each. Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib also bowled economically.At the end of 20 overs, Sri Lanka were 105/3, with Mendis and Samarawickrama at the crease.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are set to reignite their rivalry in a highly anticipated one-day international (ODI) series, with both teams eager to prove their dominance in the 50-over format. The series kicks off on Wednesday in Chittagong, and the atmosphere is already electric.The current tour has been marked by a simmering rivalry between the two sides, stemming from the controversial timed-out dismissal of Sri Lankan batsman Angelo Mathews during their World Cup clash last year. Mathews became the first player in international cricket history to be dismissed in this manner, and the incident has continued to cast a shadow over the relationship between the teams.Sri Lanka reignited the controversy after winning the Twenty20 series on Saturday, prompting Bangladesh to accuse their opponents of dwelling on the past. However, Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood insists that the rivalry is healthy and will only add to the intensity of the upcoming ODI series."The rivalry is obviously great. I think we need good competition," Silverwood said. "We're going to play some competitive cricket. I expect exactly the same again... And obviously both teams will be looking for the same, I should imagine."Bangladesh has traditionally been a formidable force in ODI cricket, boasting an impressive home record. However, they have suffered a dip in form in recent times, losing to both England and Afghanistan in 2023. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is confident that his team can bounce back against Sri Lanka."We played very good cricket from 2015 to 2022. So it can be a bad year. But it's important to bounce back as a team and come back well this year," Shanto said.The second and third matches of the series will be held on March 15 and 18, and both teams will be determined to secure victory. The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched sides, with the added spice of the ongoing rivalry between them.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das showcased his exceptional fielding skills with a stunning no-look run-out during the third and final T20I against Sri Lanka in Sylhet on Saturday. The incident occurred on the final ball of Sri Lanka's innings, leaving fans in awe of Das's quick thinking and agility.As Dasun Shanaka and Sadeera Samarawickrama attempted to steal a couple of runs, Shanaka flicked Mustafizur Rahman's delivery towards mid-on. The pair completed the first run successfully, but Shanaka's eagerness to complete the second proved costly.Rishad Hossain's throw at the striker's end was slightly off target, but Litton displayed remarkable awareness to collect the ball and execute a no-look run-out. His swift and precise action reminded fans of former India captain MS Dhoni, renowned for his no-look run-outs throughout his illustrious career.Litton's exceptional fielding effort was a highlight of the match, which saw Sri Lanka emerge victorious by 28 runs. Nuwan Thushara's maiden over hat-trick and Kusal Mendis' career-best 86 played pivotal roles in Sri Lanka's triumph.Despite late efforts from Rishad Hossain and Taskin Ahmed, Bangladesh were bowled out for 146 in the final over. Mendis' 55-ball knock of six fours and six sixes guided Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 174-7.Thushara's hat-trick, dismissing Najmul Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, and Mahmudullah Riyad, proved decisive in restricting Bangladesh's chase. The Sri Lankan bowler expressed his delight at his first-ever hat-trick, acknowledging its significance in the team's victory.Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain praised Thushara's exceptional bowling performance, crediting it as a key factor in Sri Lanka's success. The tour will continue with the first of three one-day internationals in Chittagong on March 15.

Sri Lanka's cricket team secured a thrilling 28-run victory over Bangladesh in the final T20 match of their series, claiming the series 2-1. Opener Kusal Mendis played a pivotal role, scoring a brilliant 86 runs off 55 balls, including six fours and six sixes. His innings propelled Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 174-6.Bangladesh's chase got off to a shaky start, with pacer Nuwan Thushara making an immediate impact. Thushara, playing his first game of the series, ripped through the top order, taking four wickets in his two overs, including a hat trick. His victims included captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Mahmudullah.Despite Rishad Hossain's valiant effort with a 30-ball 53, Bangladesh's batting lineup crumbled under Thushara's relentless bowling. The team was eventually bowled out for 146 in 19.4 overs, falling short of the target.Thushara's career-best performance of 5-20 earned him the Player of the Match award. Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga praised Thushara's contribution, saying, "This is our last series before the World Cup, so we take a lot of confidence from this."The victory marks a significant boost for Sri Lanka as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The team's bowling attack, led by Thushara, proved to be a formidable force, while Mendis' batting prowess provided a solid foundation.