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Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque Bijoy (wk), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Litton Das (wk), Mahidul Islam, Jaker Ali (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Murad, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Khaled Ahmed
Sri Lanka Squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Ratnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Isitha Wijesundara
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first against Sri Lanka
Dhananjaya de Silva (Sri Lanka Captain): “We also wanted to bat first but we had a couple of rainy nights so hoping to get something for the bowlers. Sonal Dinusha replaces Mathews but he will bat at 6 and I will bat at 4. Yes we lost Angelo Mathews in Tests but we got the backup. The youngsters have performed well in the last couple of years.”
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh Captain): “We will bat first, it looks a very good wicket. We want to put a good total. We have a couple of changes with Mehidy Hasan Miraz coming in for Jaker Ali. Hasan Mahmud had a niggle. We did a great job in Galle but these are new conditions and we have to do well. Important first session for batting.”
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Nahid Rana
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva(c), Kusal Mendis(w), Sonal Dinusha, Tharindu Ratnayake, Vishwa Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando
The atmosphere at the Sinhalese Sports Club is set as the Sri Lankan team gathers in a tight huddle, fired up to begin the second Test. The two umpires make their way to the middle, soon followed by Bangladesh’s openers, Shadman Islam and Anamul Haque, tasked with giving their team a solid start. With the new ball in hand, Asitha Fernando strides in to bowl the opening over.
Sri Lanka strike early in Colombo as Asitha Fernando gets the breakthrough, sending Anamul Haque back for a 10-ball duck. Bowling a back-of-a-length delivery that nipped in off the seam, Asitha cramped Anamul for room, and the batter could only drag it back onto his stumps in an attempted punch—Sri Lanka’s perfect start in the second Test.
Just a few overs earlier, Anamul had survived a close call when a beauty from Asitha kissed the outside edge, only for Kusal Mendis to get fingertips on it as it flew between keeper and first slip. That miss didn’t cost Sri Lanka much, though, as Asitha made sure the pressure paid off soon after.
Sri Lankan bolwers have been very impressive with their line and length and haven’t allowed Bangladeshi batters to score. Asitha Fernanado have been tempting with his deluvery outside off and on the stumps. Shadman Islam as usual continues to play his natural game of anchoring the innings.
Drinks have been taken on the first morning in Colombo, and it’s been a strong start for Sri Lanka. Asitha Fernando provided the early breakthrough, removing Anamul Haque for a 10-ball duck with a sharp delivery that nipped back in. Since then, Bangladesh’s Mominul Haque and Shadman Islam have struggled to find any fluency, managing just 23 runs off 12 overs in testing conditions.
Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. Both teams made two changes each, with Sri Lanka handing a Test debut to allrounder Sonal Dinusha, who comes in to fill the void left by the recently retired Angelo Mathews.
WICKET! Dhananjaya de Silva makes an immediate impact with his very first delivery, sending Mominul Haque back to the pavilion with a soft dismissal. Coming around the wicket, the Sri Lankan skipper floated one wide outside off at just 79 kph.
Mominul, looking to cash in on the width, went back and tried to punch it through the covers but ended up hitting it straight to substitute fielder Pavan at short cover. A tame shot under no real pressure, and Mominul knows he’s gifted his wicket away. DDS is ecstatic — a golden start to his spell and a crucial breakthrough for Sri Lanka.
It’s been a balanced opening session at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, as Bangladesh head into lunch on Day 1 at 71/2 in 26 overs after opting to bat first in the second Test against Sri Lanka. While the visitors managed to see off the new ball with some resistance, they also suffered two setbacks that kept the hosts firmly in the contest.
Sri Lanka’s pace duo, Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando, made life difficult for the Bangladeshi openers early on, keeping things tight and extracting movement off the pitch. Anamul Haque, who was given an early life by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis on 0, failed to make it count. He was eventually undone by Asitha, dragging one onto his stumps to depart for a 10-ball duck.
Mominul Haque joined Shadman Islam and looked steady for a while, rotating strike and settling in. But just when the pair was starting to build a foundation, Sri Lankan skipper Dhananjaya de Silva struck gold with his very first delivery — a tame shot from Mominul went straight to cover, ending his stay at 21.
Shadman Islam has looked compact and is nearing his half-century, unbeaten on 43, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is batting on 7. The pair saw off the remaining overs before the break without further damage. With the pitch offering some early assistance and the Sri Lankan bowlers keeping things disciplined, the post-lunch session promises to be crucial. Bangladesh will be eyeing consolidation, while Sri Lanka will look to tighten the screws further.
We’re back for the afternoon session on Day 1 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The umpires and players have returned to the field, with Bangladesh looking to rebuild after a steady but cautious first session. Shadman Islam, nearing his fifty, will resume alongside skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto as the visitors aim to build a solid foundation. With Sri Lanka already striking twice before lunch, the hosts will be eager to maintain pressure and make further inroads into the Bangladeshi lineup.
Sri Lanka have roared back into the contest with a flurry of wickets after lunch on Day 1 at the SSC. Tharindu Ratnayake broke the resistance by dismissing the well-set Shadman Islam for 46, inducing a sharp edge with a turning delivery that was brilliantly snapped up by Dhananjaya de Silva at slip.
Just when Bangladesh hoped to rebuild, Vishwa Fernando delivered a decisive blow, removing captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for a low score with a seaming delivery that kissed the edge and was safely pouched by Kusal Mendis. From a steady start, Bangladesh now find themselves in deep trouble with two key batters dismissed in quick succession.
The wind has picked up sharply at the SSC, and the groundstaff have sprung into action even before the rain begins to fall. The players are already off the field, hustling toward the pavilion as the covers are swiftly brought in to protect the pitch and square.
In Sri Lanka, the groundstaff often act before the first drop, knowing the conditions all too well. The skies are ominous, and with a strong breeze sweeping across the ground, there’s hope that it might carry the rain away quickly. For now, we’re in for a weather-induced break in play.
The rain has eased off and the weather has brightened up considerably at the SSC. While the conditions look promising for a resumption, the groundstaff are now hard at work removing the multiple layers of covers from the pitch and surrounding areas. The outfield still needs some time to dry up, and the umpires will likely inspect the conditions before play can restart. A bit of patience is required, but we should be back in action soon if there’s no further interruption.
The weather continues to play hide and seek in Colombo. A light drizzle returned briefly, prompting the groundstaff to cover more than half the outfield once again. However, it didn’t last long, and with the skies looking relatively clear above the Sinhalese Sports Club, the covers are already being peeled off. The umpires and players remain on standby, hopeful of a resumption soon as the conditions steadily improve.
Good news from Colombo — the covers have been completely removed from the pitch and the square, and there is no rain falling at the moment. The groundstaff have done a commendable job once again, and the playing surface looks in good shape. With the skies holding up and conditions improving rapidly, a resumption is on the cards very soon. Players and umpires are expected to make their way back onto the field shortly.
Tea will be taken at 4:00 PM IST (Local Time), and the final session will run from 4:20 PM to 6:00 PM.
The covers are now completely off the ground, and the groundstaff is working diligently to get everything ready for a 2:55 PM resumption. With no rain in the air and conditions steadily improving, the outfield is being attended to with urgency to ensure a prompt and safe restart. The umpires are expected to inspect the surface shortly, and the players will be back on the field soon to resume what has already been an eventful day of Test cricket.
The players and umpires are back on the field as play resumes after the rain interruption. Asitha Fernando is set to continue his 8th over with Mushfiqur Rahim on strike and Litton Das at the non-striker’s end. The conditions look bright now, and Sri Lanka will be eager to capitalize on the momentum they had built before the break, having picked up key wickets in quick succession. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will hope this experienced pair can steady the innings and rebuild under slightly overcast skies.
The partnership between Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das has crossed the 50-run mark, offering Bangladesh a much-needed period of stability. Interestingly, it has been Rahim—usually known for his cautious approach—who has taken the attacking route, scoring a fluent 29 off just 37 deliveries.
Litton, on the other hand, has adopted a more watchful role, looking to anchor the innings and keep the scoreboard ticking with smart rotation of strike. Together, the duo is steadily rebuilding the innings with a fine blend of intent and resilience.
Has he nicked it? Yes, Litton Das has started to walk straightaway, confirming the edge, and Sri Lanka strikes at a crucial moment—right on the stroke of the tea break. The breakthrough comes courtesy of debutant Sonal Dinusha, who not only claims his maiden Test wicket but also completes 100 First-Class scalps in the process.
He drags the length back, keeps it shorter, quicker, and just outside off—too close for a cut, but Litton goes for it anyway and gets a thick outside edge. Kusal Mendis, behind the stumps, initially fumbles but holds on to a sharp juggling catch at the third attempt. Litton, who had survived a close call in the previous over, finally runs out of luck as the promising partnership is broken.
A rain-affected second session saw only 23 overs bowled, but Sri Lanka made the most of the limited play, striking three crucial blows to leave Bangladesh struggling at 144/5 in 49 overs at tea on Day 1 of the Test in Chattogram.
Resuming from 71/2 at lunch, Bangladesh lost skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto early, caught behind off a probing delivery from Vishwa Fernando. The left-arm seamer found just enough movement to draw the edge, ending Shanto’s brief stay. Soon after, Shadman Islam perished attempting an ambitious drive against Tharindu Ratnayake, only to edge it to Dhananjaya de Silva at slip.
The experienced duo of Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das then began a promising rebuild, steadying the innings amidst threatening conditions. However, the weather intervened just as their partnership began to take shape, forcing an extended break of over an hour.
When play resumed, Sri Lanka were quick to create chances. Rahim was put down on 8 by Lahiru Udara at deep midwicket off Tharindu, while Litton survived a tough return catch opportunity off Prabath Jayasuriya. But the reprieve was short-lived for Litton, who was dismissed for 34 by debutant Sonal Dinusha—the left-arm spinner claiming his maiden Test wicket in just his second over.
At the interval, Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 34, joined by Mehidy Hasan Miraz (0*), with Bangladesh looking to consolidate after a shaky second session. Sri Lanka will be buoyed by their disciplined bowling and the promising debut of Dinusha, as they head into an extended evening session that will go on till 6 PM or 81 overs, conditions permitting.
We’re back for the final session on Day 1, with the players and umpires returning to the field after tea. Bangladesh will be hoping for stability as Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz resume their innings, aiming to rebuild after a stuttering second session. For Sri Lanka, it will be Sonal Dinusha—already with a wicket on debut—who takes the ball first in this crucial phase. The visitors, currently five down, will be eager to extend their total, while the hosts look to tighten their grip before stumps.
Breakthrough for Sri Lanka! The debutant Sonal Dinusha strikes again, claiming his second wicket by removing the well-set Mushfiqur Rahim for 35. It was a flighted delivery at 87 kph, pitched just outside off stump. Rahim, looking to up the ante, stepped out and went down on one knee for a slog sweep but failed to get the timing right.
The miscued shot went high towards deep midwicket where Vishwa Fernando covered good ground, running a dozen yards to his left, and completed a safe catch. A big blow for Bangladesh as the experienced Rahim walks back, and Dinusha continues to impress on debut. Alex Wharf appears to be unwell and is leaving the field; Prageeth Rambukwella, the reserve umpire, will step in to take his place.
Pakistan men’s team will travel to Bangladesh next month to take part in a three-match bilateral T20I series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed today.
Series schedule in Bangladesh
16 July – Pakistan men’s team arrival
20 July – First T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6pm local time)
22 July – Second T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6pm local time)
24 July – Third T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6pm local time)
It’s time for drinks in the evening session, and Sri Lanka remain firmly in control thanks to a superb spell from debutant Sonal Dinusha, who has put Bangladesh on the back foot with figures that continue to impress. The hosts have been reduced to 188/6, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nayeem Hasan battling hard to stitch together a 28-run stand for the seventh wicket.
Edged and gone! The bowling change pays off for Sri Lanka as Mehidy Hasan Miraz falls for a well-made 31. At 126 kph, it was a good length delivery pitched just outside off stump, shaping slightly away. Miraz, caught in two minds, pushed at it tentatively without a full stride forward and only managed a faint outside edge.
The slip fielder, stationed a bit wider, reacted swiftly—Kamindu Mendis diving low to his right to take what appeared to be a sharp, low catch. The umpires sent it upstairs for confirmation, and replays showed Mendis had done an excellent job getting his fingers under the ball just before it kissed the grass. A vital breakthrough for Sri Lanka as they continue to chip away at the Bangladesh lineup.
Cleaned up! Asitha Fernando strikes again, claiming his second wicket with a beautifully executed delivery. Coming over the wicket, he delivered a good length ball on off stump that straightened just enough off the surface. Nayeem Hasan, rooted to the crease and squared up completely, was caught in no man’s land. The ball zipped past the outside edge and clipped the top of off stump, sending the bails flying. A classic piece of seam bowling and another blow to Bangladesh as they continue to slide.
That’s it for Day 1 in Colombo, with bad light forcing an early close. Sri Lanka will head into the dressing room the happier of the two sides, having reduced Bangladesh to 220/8 on a stop-start day dominated by the bowlers. After opting to bat first, Bangladesh failed to replicate their strong batting display from the first Test in Galle, struggling to cope with the disciplined and probing lines of the Sri Lankan attack.
The visitors lost two wickets in the morning session, followed by three more in the post-lunch phase, and by the close of play, they had slumped to eight down. While opener Shadman Islam top-scored with a steady 46, and there were useful cameos from Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, none were able to convert their starts into a substantial innings.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Vishwa Fernando and impressive debutant Sonal Dinusha picking up two wickets each. Asitha Fernando also struck twice, including the vital scalp of Nayeem Hasan late in the day, with a peach that clipped the top of off stump. Despite a few missed chances in the field, it was a disciplined collective effort from the hosts, who adapted well to the rain interruptions and made inroads at regular intervals.
With just two wickets in hand, Bangladesh will need to scrape together as many runs as possible tomorrow morning. For Sri Lanka, the focus will be on wrapping up the innings swiftly and gaining early control of this second Test.
Stumps on Day 1 in Colombo, and Sri Lanka are well on top after reducing Bangladesh to 220/8. On a rain-hit day, the hosts made regular breakthroughs, with Vishwa Fernando, Sonal Dinusha, and Asitha Fernando picking up two wickets each. Shadman Islam top-scored with 46, but Bangladesh struggled to build partnerships. With just two wickets in hand, they’ll hope to add vital runs on Day 2, while Sri Lanka look to wrap things up quickly.
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