Bangladesh still have a long way to go

In the first innings of the Chattogram Test, Sri Lanka amassed 531 runs. Bangladesh's fielders managed to dismiss 10 Sri Lankan batters, taking 7 catches. Despite the disappointment and frustration of the morning and afternoon sessions, Bangladesh could have ended the day on a positive note had Jakir not been bowled out. The opening partnership of Mahmudullah Hasan Joy and Jakir Hasan seemed promising, but Bangladesh lost a wicket towards the end of the day. Despite a solid opening stand of 47 runs, Bangladesh faces a tough road ahead to either win or salvage the match. They are trailing by 476 runs after scoring 55 runs.

Bangladesh got off to a flying start with their openers to respond to Sri Lanka's imposing total. Mahmudullah Hasan Joy and Jakir Hasan played with confidence from the beginning. They managed to increase the run rate while keeping the wickets intact. They seemed comfortable in facing the challenging deliveries to increase the pace of scoring. Despite facing some dangerous deliveries from the Sri Lankan bowlers, they remained steady. However, a sudden setback occurred when Jakir was bowled by a fantastic delivery from Lahiru Kumara for 21 runs, breaking the 47-run opening partnership. Taijul Islam, the nightwatchman, saw Bangladesh through the remaining overs of the day. At the end of the second day of the second Test in Chattogram, Bangladesh lost 1 wicket, trailing by 55 runs.

The first two sessions of the day were disappointing for the hosts. Success in the morning session was limited to the dismissal of Dinesh Chandimal. If not for Shakib Al Hasan, the 'wicket-taker,' Bangladesh would have had another wicketless session. Sri Lanka lost their sixth wicket to Khaled Ahmed in the second session of the second day, with 411 runs on the board. Shakib also managed to take a wicket, his third in this Test.

After tea, Bangladesh's bowlers finally managed to wrap up the Sri Lankan innings after delivering 159 overs. Out of the 10 Sri Lankan batters, 6 fell to catches. Apart from the centuries by Sri Lankan batters, Sri Lanka's total of 531 runs is now the highest team total against Bangladesh in an innings. On the other hand, Bangladesh has become a witness to a shameful record, dropping a total of 7 catches in a single innings.

The tourists dominated throughout the first day of the match, followed by their remaining batters asserting authority. Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva scored centuries in all three innings. Dimuth Karunaratne and Kushal Mendis, who were dismissed near centuries the previous day, were out early. Kamindu left the field unbeaten on 92 runs after being retired hurt.