Bangladesh will face a tough challenge on the final day of Chittagong Test against Sri Lanka as the host ended the fourth day with 81 runs for three wickets and still needed 119 runs to avoid the innings defeat.
In the first innings Bangladesh scored 513 runs for all. In reply Sri Lanka declared their first innings for 713 runs for nine wickets on Saturday at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
Bangladesh started their second innings in the afternoon and needed to keep their nerve cool to survive the dying hours of the day without any loss. But they failed to do so and lost three wickets.
The starting was moderate as Tamim and Imrul assisted a 52-run opening stand. But both the batters got out playing poor shot.
Opener Imrul (19) fell to Dilruwan Perera by playing a paddle sweep while opener Tamim was departed in the last half an hour of the day's play after scoring 41 runs off 62 balls. Lakshan Sandakan took the wicket of Tamim in his first over of the day.
The heroes of the first innings Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim could finish the day safely. But, Mushfiqur was dismissed scoring two runs in the last over of the day. He was bit unlucky. He defended Rangana Herath well it hit his boot and went to the safe hands of Kusal Mendis.
Mominul was unbeaten with 18 runs off 32 balls.
Earlier, Sri Lanka started the day with their overnight 504 runs for three wickets. Their two overnight batsmen Roshen and Chandimal led Sri Lankan innings. They added 135 runs for the fourth wicket stand. Miraz broke the pair taking the wicket of Roshen who scored 109 runs off 230 balls studded with six boundaries and one over boundary.
Taijul Islam struck just after the second session taking the wicket of Dinesh Chandimal (87), who walked off in the first over after lunch.
Then Niroshan Dickwella scored runs quickly while Dilruwan Perera supported him well. Taijul then struck again to dismiss Dickwella who scored a 61-ball 62 runs hitting nine fours. Sri Lanka added 93 runs for three wickets in the second session.
After the tea break, Taijul came into action again as he hauled the wickets of Rangana Hereath (24) and Lakmal (9). Soon after the departure of Lakmal Sri Lanka declared their first innings.
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam grabbed four wickets for 219 runs while Mehedi Hasan took three wickets giving away 174 runs.
However, Bangladesh need to play more responsibly to avoid the defeat otherwise it will be third time that Bangladesh lost a Test despite scoring 500 plus in the first innings. Earlier they lost two Tests scoring 556 and 595 in the first innings.
