SL vs BAN, 2nd Test: Sri Lanka bowlers dominate as Bangladesh left reeling at 220/8 at Day 1 stumps

Sri Lankan bowlers put in a dominant performance, leaving the Bangladesh batting lineup struggling at 220 for 8 by the close of Day 1's play of the second Test match at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on June 25. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's decision to bat first proved to be a setback for his team, as the Sri Lankan pace trio of Asitha Fernando (2/43), Vishwa Fernando (2/35), and Sonal Dinusha (2/22) bowled effectively in tandem.

Asitha Fernando provided the initial breakthrough for Sri Lanka, dismantling the stumps of Anamul Haque for a duck after just ten balls. Following the early loss of his partner, Shadnam Islam (46 off 93) and Mominul Haque (21 off 39) managed to provide a brief period of stability with a short partnership. However, just as the visitors seemed to be gaining some momentum, captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened, dismissing Mominul in his very first over by inducing a catch straight to cover.

Captain Shanto, who came into the match on the back of twin centuries in the first Test, was the next batsman to face the Sri Lankan attack. Unfortunately for Bangladesh, the skipper was unable to weather the storm this time, as Vishwa Fernando managed to find the edge of his bat, with the ball carrying comfortably to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis behind the stumps.

Adding to Bangladesh's troubles, Tharindu Ratnayake further dented their progress by dismissing the well-set Shadnam Islam, leaving the visitors struggling at 76 for 4. This dismissal brought Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das together at the crease, and the experienced duo adopted a cautious approach to steady the innings.

They forged a crucial 67-run partnership for the fifth wicket, taking their team's score past the 140-run mark. However, debutant Sonal Dinusha ensured that this partnership wouldn't extend much further by dismissing both Das (34) and Rahim (35). The left-arm spinner first induced an edge from Das, which was comfortably caught by Kusal Mendis while attempting a cut shot, and then accounted for Rahim, who was caught out in the deep while trying to execute a slog sweep.

Following their dismissals, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (31) and Nayeem Hasan (25) also made valuable contributions lower down the order before losing their wickets towards the end of the day's play. Consequently, Bangladesh ended the first day's play at 220 for 8, with Taijul Islam (9 not out) and Ebadot Hossain (5 not out) in the middle.