Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis showcased their batting prowess yet again, each securing their second century of the match, as Sri Lanka set an imposing target of 511 runs for Bangladesh in the first Test showdown on Sunday.
The Sri Lankan side concluded their second innings at Sylhet, posting a formidable 418 on the scoreboard. Mendis, crafting a magnificent 164 to complement his earlier 102, and De Silva, who notched up 108 runs alongside his first-inning century, orchestrated a batting spectacle that left Bangladesh reeling.
Seizing the momentum from the onset, Sri Lanka's pace attack initiated the push for victory, swiftly reducing Bangladesh to a precarious 47-5 by stumps, leaving the hosts with a daunting requirement of 464 runs for an improbable win.
Vishwa Fernando spearheaded the onslaught, claiming 3 crucial wickets for a mere 13 runs, while Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara chipped in with a dismissal each. Mahmudul Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Zakir Hasan, Shahadat Hossain, and Liton Das all succumbed to the relentless pressure imposed by the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, reflecting on Bangladesh's faltering batting performance, lamented the collective struggle, emphasising the imperative for every player to deliver in Test cricket.
The brilliance of de Silva and Mendis with the bat contrasted starkly with Bangladesh's woes, marking only the third instance in Test history where a pair scored centuries in both innings. Echoing the legendary feats of the Chappell brothers and Misbah-ul-Haq with Azhar Ali, de Silva and Mendis commanded the proceedings, amassing a total of 375 runs between them across both innings.
Thilina Kandamby, the Sri Lankan batting coach, lauded the talent and determination exhibited by the dynamic duo, attributing their success to their exceptional skills and unwavering resolve.
Bangladesh found a momentary reprieve when Mehidy Hasan disrupted the formidable partnership, ultimately claiming 4 crucial wickets. However, Mendis continued his onslaught, propelling Sri Lanka's lead past the 500-run mark with a breathtaking display of power-hitting, including three towering sixes off Taijul Islam.
Despite Bangladesh's efforts to claw back into the contest, Mendis' masterclass remained unabated until Taijul finally managed to dismiss him, bringing an end to Sri Lanka's innings.
With a history of unblemished Test series records against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka remains poised to maintain their stronghold as they gear up for the second and final match scheduled in Chittagong on March 30th.
