Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers unleashed havoc, claiming all ten Bangladesh wickets in a captivating showdown during the opening Test of the ICC World Test Championship in Sylhet.
Spearheaded by Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and Lahiru Kumara, Sri Lanka stamped their authority on the match with a dominant performance on a challenging seaming track.
Having set the tone with a competitive first-innings total of 280, Sri Lanka’s quicks showcased their skill and precision to dismantle Bangladesh for a mere 188, establishing a significant lead. The trio’s remarkable feat left Bangladesh reeling and set the stage for Sri Lanka’s ascendancy in the match.
Reflecting on the outstanding performance, Sri Lanka’s fast bowling coach, Dharshana Gamage, attributed their success to meticulous planning and unwavering discipline. Gamage highlighted the team’s focus on bowling in the right areas and forging effective partnerships on the field, which proved instrumental in achieving their collective goal of taking all ten wickets.
Fernando emerged as the standout performer with a four-wicket haul, while Rajitha and Kumara contributed three scalps each, showcasing their ability to exploit the conditions and dismantle Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
Notably, this marked a historic moment for Sri Lanka, as their pace trio achieved the rare feat of claiming all ten wickets in an Asian Test match, a milestone not achieved since 1992.
Kumara, making a triumphant return to Test cricket after a year-long absence, showcased his resilience and determination, delivering crucial breakthroughs at pivotal moments in the game.
His efforts were a testament to his hard work and dedication to improving his workload management, as highlighted by Gamage, who praised Kumara’s consistency and ability to cause problems for the opposition.
Heading into day three, Sri Lanka finds itself in a commanding position, holding a formidable lead of 211 runs with five wickets still in hand. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, buoyed by his impressive century in the first innings, remains unbeaten on 23, poised to lead his team’s charge and set a challenging target for Bangladesh.
As the battle for crucial points in the ICC World Test Championship intensifies, Sri Lanka aims to secure its maiden victory in the tournament, while Bangladesh seeks to bounce back and make its mark on the points table following a mixed start. With the stage set for an intriguing conclusion, cricket fans can expect more thrilling action as the contest unfolds in Sylhet.
