Extremely failed captain Shanto, Bangladesh running Shakib-Mominul's bat

In the morning session, Sri Lankan batters were hopeful of taking 2-3 wickets against Bangladesh's welcoming batters, as stated by Kamindu Mendis in yesterday's evening press conference. However, today seemed to bring significant disappointment for the welcoming team as they lost 3 wickets in the first session alone. Despite putting up a fight, opener Zakir Hasan couldn't advance much, getting bowled after scoring just 5 runs. Captain Shanto was barely able to make it to 1 run and returned to the pavilion. After bidding farewell to nightwatchman Taijul, Bangladesh's hopes now relied on the partnership of Shakib and Mominul.

At the end of the first session of the third day, Bangladesh scored 115 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 41 overs played so far. In today's morning session, Bangladesh lost 3 wickets, scoring 60 runs in 26 overs. Despite the potential to stabilize the innings, captain Shanto couldn't accumulate runs, while Shakib Al Hasan scored 6 and Mominul Haque remained unbeaten on 2 runs.

Having set to chase 511 runs, Bangladesh had lost opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy's wicket towards the end of yesterday's evening session. Trailing by 476 runs, Bangladesh's hopes for victory or survival in the match have become increasingly difficult.

However, for opener Zakir Hasan, this Test match became his fourth consecutive fifty in his Test career. With a score of 55, he lost his wicket trying to flick a ball to the short mid-wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne. Unfortunately, Zakir couldn't maintain his innings after reaching fifty and got bowled.

After Zakir's dismissal, nightwatchman Taijul Islam joined captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. However, this partnership couldn't bring relief as Shanto was caught behind by Dimuth while trying to play the ball to the short mid-wicket. After playing 11 balls, Shanto fell just 1 run short of his personal milestone.

At the end of the over, Vishwa Fernando knocked off Taijul Islam's stumps. As a nightwatchman, Taijul scored 22 runs. Mominul Haque, who remained unbeaten with 87 runs in the second innings of the Sylhet Test, started the innings today. Shakib Al Hasan finally took the bat, starting cautiously before lunch. The Sri Lankan bowlers were cautious with their dangerous deliveries.