Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, and Kamindu Mendis showcased their bowling prowess, each claiming two wickets, steering Sri Lanka towards yet another potential triumph in the second and final Test on Tuesday.
As the sun set on the fourth day in Chittagong, Bangladesh stood at 268-7, their dreams of an unlikely victory still distant, requiring 243 runs to achieve the improbable feat.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz's unbeaten 44 kept the contest alive, aided by Taijul Islam's 10, as they pushed the game into a decisive fifth day.
Mominul Haque emerged as a lone warrior, valiantly scoring 50 runs off 56 balls, only to succumb to Jayasuriya's spin just before tea, denying any claims of unpreparedness from the Bangladesh camp.
"Transitioning from domestic cricket to international Test matches presents unique challenges," Mominul retorted amidst criticism.
Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das briefly resisted, stitching a 61-run partnership before Kamundu intervened, courtesy of Nishan Madushka's acrobatic catch, dismissing Shakib for 36.
Liton's departure, caught behind Kumara's bowling, further dampened Bangladesh's hopes.
Kamindu struck again, breaking the threatening alliance between Mehidy and Shahadat Hossain, sending Shahadat back to 15.
Despite Mahmudul Hasan's 24 and contributions from Zakir Hasan (19) and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (20), Sri Lankan bowlers dominated, with Jayasuriya, Kumara, and Lahiru dismantling Bangladesh's top order.
Sri Lanka's coach, Chris Silverwood, acknowledged Bangladesh's resilience, praising their counterattack that tested his bowlers.
While Sri Lanka's bowling showcased flashes of brilliance, Silverwood acknowledged the need for greater consistency.
However, Sri Lanka's dominant position owes much to their determined efforts.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's batting display, led by Angelo Mathews' resilient 56, propelled them to a declaration at 157-7, adding 55 runs to their overnight score.
Mathews, along with Jayasuriya and Vishwa Fernando, steered Sri Lanka towards a formidable total, setting a challenging target for Bangladesh.
Debutant pace bowler Hasan Mahmud's 4-65 impressed amidst Sri Lanka's batting onslaught.
As Sri Lanka faced the challenges on the field, they missed the presence of Dinesh Chandimal, who had to return home due to a family emergency.
With history favouring Sri Lanka, having never lost a Test series to Bangladesh, their commanding victory in the first Test only strengthens their resolve in pursuit of another triumph.
