Lankan batting coach was surprised to see Bangladesh's batting

Welcoming the daunting target of 511 runs set by Sri Lanka, Bangladesh faced immediate pressure right from the start. Once again, Bangladesh's batting faltered, reaching only 37 runs before losing five wickets and eventually succumbing to defeat. At the end of the third day of the Test, Sri Lanka seems poised for victory. Sri Lankan batting coach Thilina Kandamby expressed that Bangladesh did not show a strong fightback as expected. He found it somewhat surprising that Bangladesh seemed a bit bewildered by their inability to put up a fight.

In the first innings of the Sylhet Test, nightwatchman Taijul Islam, having played a personal best innings, fell on the second day. Bangladesh struggled throughout and managed only 188 runs. Apart from Taijul Islam's 47 runs, no one else made a significant contribution to the innings. The lower-order batsmen, comprising Taijul, Khaled, Shariful, and Nahidul, collectively scored 84 runs. However, the remaining seven batsmen from the top and middle order only managed 85 runs. Thilina, citing the example of their lower-order batting, praised the efforts of Taijul, Shariful, and Khaled.

In Sri Lanka's lower order, Kamindu Mendis played superbly towards the end. Prabath Jayasuriya scored 25 runs off just 47 balls, while Kasun Rajitha contributed 20 runs in partnership with Kamindu. Thilina pointed out the significance of Bangladesh's lower-order batting effort and emphasized the importance of confidence-building.

"I spoke to them in the morning itself, making them understand how crucial their batting effort could be. You've seen how Bangladesh's lower order has managed to score significant runs; they played like 130-ball innings. I've cited this as an example to them, tried to instill confidence," Thilina said.

Analyzing Bangladesh's batting failure, Sri Lankan batting coach Thilina remarked, "Sometimes it happens like this. It was different when they started. They didn't think we would turn the tables so strongly. This could be another reason. Bangladesh fought hard, so I was a bit surprised by such batting."

The ongoing Test series remains poised for an exciting finish as Sri Lanka maintains its dominance over Bangladesh.