Colombo Turner helps Sri Lanka against Bangladesh; Mathews replacement impresses day 1

On a surface offering turn from the first hour, Sri Lanka made full use of home conditions to leave Bangladesh wobbling at 220/8 at stumps on Day 1 of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The pitch was absolutely different from the flat deck in Galle, where the first Test was drawn — and with Angelo Mathews retiring in that match, the baton was passed to a new generation.

Debutant Sonal Dinusha, Mathews’ replacement, made an instant impression. The 24-year-old left-arm spinner picked up two crucial wickets, those of Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim, just as Bangladesh looked to rebuild. Backed by fellow bowlers Vishwa Fernando and Asitha Fernando, who also grabbed two each, Sri Lanka struck regularly on a rain-hit day that saw just 71 overs bowled.

Starts for Bangladesh, but no substance

Six Bangladeshi batters crossed the 20-run mark, but none could convert into a big innings. Shadman Islam top-scored with 46 but fell to a loose drive. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, coming off twin centuries in the first Test, edged to the keeper for just eight.

After a solid 67-run stand between Mushfiqur and Litton gave Bangladesh some hope, Dinusha’s double strike tilted the day firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, returning from illness, looked steady but became Vishwa Fernando’s second victim.

With bad light and rain curtailing play early, Sri Lanka will be the happier side heading into Day 2. The turner in Colombo has brought their spinners into the game and with Bangladesh already eight down, it could be a long second day for the visitors.

• Bangladesh: 220/8
• Top scorers:
  • Shadman Islam: 46
  • Mushfiqur Rahim: 35
• Sri Lankan bowlers:
  • Sonal Dinusha: 2-22
  • Vishwa Fernando: 2-35
  • Asitha Fernando: 2-43