Monday, January 5, 2009
Sri Lanka Tour of Bangladesh - summary
05.01.2009 : Sri Lanka extends their lead over Bangladesh
At the end of day three the visiting Sri Lankans were able to extend their lead over the Bangladeshis by 472 runs.
The Sri Lankans who came into bat on the third day of the second test match which is being played at Bir Srestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, Chittagong. (BSSRAS) managed to score 296 runs by loosing only 4 wickets.
TM Dilshan who saved the game for Lankans in the first inning managed to score an unbeaten knock of 81 runs with the help of TT Samaraweera who is on 72*, early in the day KC Sangakkara also managed to score 54 runs but failed to continue.
Bangladeshi skipper Mohammad Ashraful who grabbed two wickets for 29 runs was the top wicket taker of the day. Day four of the second test match will begin tomorrow
04.01.2009 : Mendis and Murali strike again
The Sri Lankans who had a disappointing start for the day two of the 2nd test match which is being played at Bir Srestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, Chittagong. (BSSRAS) managed to bounce back strongly to put them selves ahead again before the day ends
CK Kapugedera who was on 93 and WPUJC Vaas who also had one run under his name before the umpires stop the game for the day one did not had the luck to survive for many overs as they expected. Bangladeshi bowlers who came into the field with the new ball went through the wickets quickly, Shakib Al Hasan who led the attack took 3 quick wickets to end the Sri Lankan innings for 384 without conceding much runs.
Kapugedera who was eyeing his first test century was the first to go as Shakib Al Hasan Managed to spin one from the outside off to the pads of the inform batsman early in the morning and the umpire SA Bucknor judged him out after pondering for a while.
After the fall of Kapugedera for 96 runs the Bangladeshi pace man Mashrafe Mortaza who displayed some fine peace of bowling throughout the innings managed to get WPUJC Vaas wicket for 3 runs, following him M Muralitharan and CRD Fernando walked back to the dressing room without disturbing the scorers much, Shakib Al Hasan who continued his attack managed to grab four wickets to end the Sri Lankan innings for 384 runs while Mashrafe Mortaza takes three for 58
With the disappointing start which they had early in the day, the Sri Lankans who came in to defend their total did not had to wait much long to celebrate as their veteran mid pace man WPUJC Vaas managed to strike early in the first over to take the wicket of Tamim Iqbal for no runs.
Bangladeshis who lost their first wicket in the first over of the innings failed to find their form throughout the innings and they were eventually all out for 208 runs before the day ends, and if not for the courageous 63 run last wicket partnership between Mashrafe Mortaza and Shahadat Hossain, the Bangladeshi had to re-start their innings for the second time in the day to follow on.
BAW Mendis who came into the squad after recovering from an ankle injury managed to continue his wicket taking spell by taking 4 wickets for 71 runs while his senior partner M Muralitharan takes 3 for 62 runs. Almost all the Bangladeshi batsman got out for low runs except Mohammad Ashraful (45) and Mashrafe Mortaza (63) who gave some entertainment for the home crowd.
Lot will be expected from the home team on the third day of the game which will begin tomorrow at 09.30am (03.30 GMT), BSM Warnapura (7*) and HAPW Jayewardene (6*) will continue the Sri Lankan second innings tomorrow
03.01.2009 : Sri Lanka in control after Dilshan's explosive 162
The Sri Lankans were able to bounce back hard from an upsetting 75 for 4 to 371 for 6 at the end of the first day of the second Test against Bangladesh which is been played at Bir Srestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, Chittagong. (BSSRAS)
The Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayewardene who elected to bat first after winning the toss was suddenly under pressure as they lose 4 quick wickets including him just for 75 runs
The wicketkeeper HAPW Jayewardene who opened the batting today with BSM Warnapura was the first to go Mashrafe Mortaza who spotted the perfect spot in the first over of the game managed to hit the ball below the knee roll of Prasanna Jayewardene in front of the leg stump and there were no hesitations for the umpire to raise his finger
Mortaza who gave the home side a good start on the batting pitch of BSSRAS, Chittagong continued to strike with his perfect line and length, his next victim was the present world test rank number two KC Sangakkara, Mortaza who pitched one it on a length outside managed to get a thick inside edge from Sangakkara’s bat on to the stumps when the visitors were on 7, the skipper DPMD Jayewardene who then came into bat also had to depart for 11 runs as Shakib Al Hasan managed to get an edge to the keeper, The home team was over the moon as they have managed to get rid of the two main attackers of Sri Lanka. Bangladeshi captain Mohammad Ashraful who continued to put pressure onto the Sri Lankan batsman then got another surprise when Shahadat Hossain gets a thick inside edge to the stumps from Samaraweera who saved the First game for the Lankans when they were in a similar situation, Sri Lankans were suddenly 75 for four wickets
But the real challenge for the Bangladeshi side came next when TM Dilshan teamed up with BSM Warnapura who was silently watching the collapse in the other end, TM Dilshan who displayed an aggressive knock in the second innings of the last test continued to hit the ball hard all around the ground taking maximum use of the pitch which is good for batting
Gradually TM Dilshan and BSM Warnapura managed to put pressure back onto the home team who was desperately looking to end the Sri Lankan innings before the day ends, the Partnership between them was 119 when the Bangladeshi skipper Mohammad Ashraful who took the task onto himself managed to hit the pads of Warnapura who was on 63 in his first delivery to him. Finally a breakthrough but the this dismissal also marked the beginning of another important partnership for the Lankans, CK Kapugedera who then came into bat scored consecutive boundaries in the same over conveying the message that he is not going to miss any of the loose deliveries.
TM Dilshan and CK Kapugedera who is renowned for aggressive batting continued their style hitting the ball all over the ground and both of them managed to hammer the loose balls hard and also to sneak singles for the good ones. Bangladeshi team who looked dangerous in the morning sessions was under immense pressure, TM Dilshan who carried out a fearless attack managed to get his sixth Test century to put Sri Lanka back in charge of the second Test in Chittagong, after guiding the team out from the woods TM Dilshan got out when Enamul Haque jnr managed to beat the bat of Dilshan to hit the stumps but it was too late the damage was done, Dilshan walked back to the dressing room after adding 162 runs for the score card.
At the end of the day one Sri Lanka are now 371 for six wickets looking dangerous and the credit should go to the Dilshan (162), Warnapura (63) and Kapugedera (93*) who displayed superb batting performance today to save the team and for Bangladeshis it will be another disappointing day as they have failed to continue their good start till the last over
Kapugedera (93*) and WPUJC Vaas (1*) will resume the day two of the match tomorrow
03.01.2009 : Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh second match to begin today
The second and the final test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will begin today at the Bir Srestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, Chittagong. (BSSRAS) - Start time 09.30am (03.30 GMT)
Following the stunning efforts by the Bangladeshis in the first game much will be expected from Mohammad Ashraful and his side in the second game, their fearless attempts to pull off a record-breaking chase of 521 in Mirpur can take as one of the best performance by a Bangladeshi side in a test match, unfortunately for them the result did not go their way as the Lankans managed to save the game in the final session of the fourth day but their effort sparked some life and gave them the much needed boost for the second match against the visiting Sri Lankans
But in the second game which is scheduled to begin today young Bangladeshis will face a new threat, the main wicket taking weapon of Sri Lanka the mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis, his late inclusion to the Test squad after recovering from an ankle injury can be a nightmare for the Bangladeshis as he is renowned to take wickets in an any stage of the match with his mysterious carrom ball style and his unusual releases with a snap of his fingers have perplexed even the most experienced players of spin in the world cricket
In the meantime the Chittagong Test will also mark a personal milestone for the Sri Lanka's skipper Mahela Jayewardene who plays his 100th Test. Since his debut in 1997 has so far scored 7926 runs at 52.84 and he is Sri Lanka's leading run-scorer in Tests
Bangladeshi team for the second game is likely to unchanged from the first match but the reports from the home camp has hinted on bringing an extra spinner for a seamer and for the visitors squad Rangana Herath is likely to be replaced by Ajantha Mendis
The game will begin at 09.30am (03.30 GMT)
31.12.2008 : Sri Lanka wins the first test match against Bangladesh by 107 runs
The day was all about courage’s batting by the young Bangladeshi batsman who gave Sri Lankans a mighty scare but a double-strike by the pace man Dammika Prasad at the right time gave the visiting team a 107 run victory over the hosts
The final day of the first test match which was played at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur would have been a pleasant surprise for the Bangladeshi fans to celebrate the New Year with a high tone but the cushion of a 500-plus lead which they had against Bangladeshis saved the day and the game for the Lankans
In their chase of the mammoth 520 run mark the Bangladeshi batsman were able to give Sri Lanka a few anxious moments, the 112 run stand between the skipper Mohammad Ashraful and Shakib Al Hasan was the first to frustrate the Sri Lankan bowling attack but fading the hopes from the home crowd Mohammad Ashraful had to depart for 101 runs for the bowling of WPUJC Vaas when the home team was on 292, the game was still wide open, Shakib Al Hasan who was in the other end playing a supportive role for his captain then took the charge and managed to put up another scary partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim of 111 runs against the strong bowling attack of Sri Lankans, on this stage the Bangladeshis were looking dangerous as they were eying on a possible historic victory, it was a time that the visiting team was loosing their hope and confidence but a double-strike by the pace man Dammika Prasad lead Bangladesh to give up their most miraculous chase and finally they fell with 107 runs short from the victory
First to go was Shakib Al Hasan who was four runs short of a deserved ton, Prasad who dragged it full outside off managed to get a thick inside edge onto the stumps of Shakib Al Hasan who tried to drive. His depart was bitter for the home side and the crowd, following his wicket Prasad managed to swings another one in to get a thin edge to the safe hands of keeper HAPW Jayawardene to send back Mashrafe Mortaza for just two runs
Bangladeshis were suddenly 8 for 409 runs and next go was Mushfiqur Rahim who was on 61 carrying out a lonely fight to resists the pressure but failed to beat the spin king Muralitharan the home side was eventually dismissed for 413
But altogether it was one of the finest performances by the Bangladeshi team though they lost the game by 107 runs and it will never be a shameful loss. The player of the match award was given to Shakib Al Hasan for his superb act with the both ball and the bat, he managed to grab 6 wickets in the game with a five wicket haul in the first innings and also managed to add 96 runs with in the second innings
Sri Lanka now leads the two match test series 1-0 the second game will begin on the third of January at the Bir Srestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, Chittagong
30.12.2008 : Bangladesh fights back
After enjoying a rest day in the middle of their first test match which is been played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur the Lankans were able to set a mammoth target against the young Bangladeshi side in the fourth day of the game
The Bangladeshi officials postpone the fourth day of the game which was scheduled to play yesterday due to their General elections which was held after 7 years
But the Lankans who were on top of the home side at the end of the third day managed to continue their good form with the bat and they succeeded in extending their lead by 520 runs, The skipper DPMD Jayawardene who spearheaded the Lankan score card scored a stunning 166 run knock to guide the team to 405 run mark, Sri Lankans were 406 for 5 wickets when they invited Bangladeshis to chase their massive total with one and a half days remaining
Bangladeshis openers who came into bat with the huge task of chasing an historic total managed to score 40 runs for the first wicket but failed to continue their effort as Imrul Kayes (13) had to walk back to the dressing room due to an unfortunate run out but after falling of his wicket the Bangladeshi bats man who came into middle managed to resists the pressure given by the Sri Lankan bowlers better than the first innings.
The opener Tamim Iqbal was the first to launch a fearless attack against the top class Sri Lankan bowlers he scored 47 runs before he nick one to the safe hands of HAPW Jayawardene and the much needed momentum was set, the young Bangladeshis never showed that they are going to give up this game, after Iqbal’s wicket Junaid Siddique was the next to go he also contributed 37 runs for the team, Following him Raqibul Hasan (24) and Mehrab Hossain jnr (23) got out but each and every one of them showed sheer courage but again failed to convert their twenties and thirties in to big scores
Most courageous knock of the day came from the bat of the Bangladeshi skipper Mohammad Ashraful who is still unbeaten on 70 and he will resume the final day of the game tomorrow with Shakib Al Hasan (34) who also gave a fine support for his skipper
As the young Bangladeshi side today managed to drag the game to the last day, the final day of the first test match which is scheduled to begin tomorrow will be much exited and the home team will try their best to entertain the home crowd and keep their pride on the home soil but to do that they have to survive another full day against the strong bowling attack of the visiting Sri Lankan team which comprise the very best bowlers of the world. Saving their wicket from M Muralitharan will be crucial on the final day as he has already taken 9 wickets in this game
28.12.2008 : Sri Lanka 291/4 at the end of the third day
Following their superb performance with the ball on day two the Sri Lankans were able to re-find their batting form in the third day of the first test match which is been played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur with Bangladesh
Though the home team managed to get both the Sri Lankan openers for 18 runs KC Sangakkara and DPMD Jayewardene was able to lay a good foundation for the Sri Lankan innings by putting up a 135 run partnership for the third wicket
After guiding the team out from the woods KC Sangakkara got out for 67 runs as he nicked one for the wicket keeper, following his wicket TT Samaraweera who was the savior of the Lankans in the first innings joined the skipper Jayewardene and frustrating the young Bangladeshi team more both of them also managed to set up a 138 run partnership for the fourth wicket but unfortunately TT Samaraweera got out in the last ball of the day for 62 runs making it four for 291
The Sri Lankan skipper DPMD Jayewardene (129*) who scored his 24th test century will resume the day four of the game tomorrow, The Sri Lankans now have a lead of 406 runs over Bangladesh
27.12.2008 : Sri Lanka bounce back strongly, Murali takes 5 for 48
Sri Lankans were able to bounce back strongly on the second day of the first test match which is been played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur against the young Bangladeshi side.
Starting the day well for the Lankans TT Samaraweera and all rounder WPUJC Vaas succeeded in dragging their feeble day one total of 172/6 to the 293 mark by putting up a 99 runs partnership to give them a safe total
Bangladeshis who then came into bat with lot of confidence displayed disappointing performance, Though Bangladeshi openers gave a solid start for the innings rest of the team failed to resist long to reach a bigger total, several Bangladeshi batsman had a good start but failed to convert their twenties and thirties in to big totals, showing lack of patients and momentum. Imrul Kayes who was the top run score for the home team scored 33, following him Junaid Siddique (29), Mehrab Hossain jnr (28) and Shakib Al Hasan (27) made some useful contributions
Once again it was the veteran spinner M Muralitharan was the one who brought back the game towards the Lankan camp by taking 5 wickets; WPUJC Vaas also grabbed 2 wickets
At the end of the days play Bangladeshis were 177/9, Mushfiqur Rahim (11*) and Mahbubul Alam (0*) will resume the day three of the game tomorrow
27.12.2008 : Sri Lanka all out for 293
Continuing their good form with the ball the Bangladeshis were able to bowled out the visiting Sri Lankans for 293 runs in 89.4 overs before the lunch break of the second day of the first test match which is been played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
Comparing with the first day The Sri Lankans were able to display some momentum and skills on the second day where TT Samaraweera and all rounder WPUJC Vaas succeeded in dragging their feeble total of 172/6 to the 293 mark by putting up a 99 runs partnership
But all the credit should go to the young Bangladeshi bowlers who astonished the strong Sri Lankan batting line up and put them under pressure from the very first ball, Shakib Al Hasan who led the bowling attack managed to grab 5 wickets for 70 runs
As the Bangladeshi bowlers have done their part, much will be expected from their batsman to surpass the Sri Lankan total and in the meantime Sri Lankans will have to try their best to restrict the young home side which is now in a good state of mind, the match will begin soon after the lunch break
26.12.2008 : Sri Lanka 172/6 at the end of the first day of the first test match with Bangladesh
The young Bangladesh side was able to dominate the first day of the first test which was played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur against the visiting Sri Lankans
After winning the toss the Sri Lankans who came into bat first struggled throughout the day as the Bangladeshi bowlers continues to strike in regular intervals.
When the total of the visitors reached 24 the Bangladeshi pace man Mashrafe Mortaza was able to get the first breakthrough for the home team by taking the wicket of BSM Warnapura for 14 runs, KC Sangakkara who then came into bat succeeded in setting up a useful partnership for the first wickets with MG Vandort who was struggling hard to middle the ball, both of them was able to put up a 95 run partnership before Shakib Al Hasan manage to take KC Sangakkara’s wicket when he was on 43, falling of Sangakkara’s wicket also marked the beginning of the collapse of the Sri Lankan team.
Shahadat Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan who operated from the both ends managed to expose the lower order of the strong Sri Lankan batting line up taking wickets in regular intervals, Vandort (44) had to walk back to the dressing room soon after Sangakkara’s wicket, following him the skipper DPMD Jayewardene (03), TM Dilshan (14) and HAPW Jayewardene (06) lost their wickets, giving the much needed boost for the young Bangladesh side
At the end of the day Sri Lankans were 172/6 in 57.4 overs, Shakib Al Hasan who did the main damage for the visitors succeeded in getting 3 wickets in 18 overs by giving only 43 runs, Shahadat Hossain also grabbed 2 wickets in 13.4
At the end of day three the visiting Sri Lankans were able to extend their lead over the Bangladeshis by 472 runs.
The Sri Lankans who came into bat on the third day of the second test match which is being played at Bir Srestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, Chittagong. (BSSRAS) managed to score 296 runs by loosing only 4 wickets.
TM Dilshan who saved the game for Lankans in the first inning managed to score an unbeaten knock of 81 runs with the help of TT Samaraweera who is on 72*, early in the day KC Sangakkara also managed to score 54 runs but failed to continue.
Bangladeshi skipper Mohammad Ashraful who grabbed two wickets for 29 runs was the top wicket taker of the day. Day four of the second test match will begin tomorrow
04.01.2009 : Mendis and Murali strike again
The Sri Lankans who had a disappointing start for the day two of the 2nd test match which is being played at Bir Srestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, Chittagong. (BSSRAS) managed to bounce back strongly to put them selves ahead again before the day ends
CK Kapugedera who was on 93 and WPUJC Vaas who also had one run under his name before the umpires stop the game for the day one did not had the luck to survive for many overs as they expected. Bangladeshi bowlers who came into the field with the new ball went through the wickets quickly, Shakib Al Hasan who led the attack took 3 quick wickets to end the Sri Lankan innings for 384 without conceding much runs.
Kapugedera who was eyeing his first test century was the first to go as Shakib Al Hasan Managed to spin one from the outside off to the pads of the inform batsman early in the morning and the umpire SA Bucknor judged him out after pondering for a while.
After the fall of Kapugedera for 96 runs the Bangladeshi pace man Mashrafe Mortaza who displayed some fine peace of bowling throughout the innings managed to get WPUJC Vaas wicket for 3 runs, following him M Muralitharan and CRD Fernando walked back to the dressing room without disturbing the scorers much, Shakib Al Hasan who continued his attack managed to grab four wickets to end the Sri Lankan innings for 384 runs while Mashrafe Mortaza takes three for 58
With the disappointing start which they had early in the day, the Sri Lankans who came in to defend their total did not had to wait much long to celebrate as their veteran mid pace man WPUJC Vaas managed to strike early in the first over to take the wicket of Tamim Iqbal for no runs.
Bangladeshis who lost their first wicket in the first over of the innings failed to find their form throughout the innings and they were eventually all out for 208 runs before the day ends, and if not for the courageous 63 run last wicket partnership between Mashrafe Mortaza and Shahadat Hossain, the Bangladeshi had to re-start their innings for the second time in the day to follow on.
BAW Mendis who came into the squad after recovering from an ankle injury managed to continue his wicket taking spell by taking 4 wickets for 71 runs while his senior partner M Muralitharan takes 3 for 62 runs. Almost all the Bangladeshi batsman got out for low runs except Mohammad Ashraful (45) and Mashrafe Mortaza (63) who gave some entertainment for the home crowd.
Lot will be expected from the home team on the third day of the game which will begin tomorrow at 09.30am (03.30 GMT), BSM Warnapura (7*) and HAPW Jayewardene (6*) will continue the Sri Lankan second innings tomorrow
03.01.2009 : Sri Lanka in control after Dilshan's explosive 162
The Sri Lankans were able to bounce back hard from an upsetting 75 for 4 to 371 for 6 at the end of the first day of the second Test against Bangladesh which is been played at Bir Srestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, Chittagong. (BSSRAS)
The Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayewardene who elected to bat first after winning the toss was suddenly under pressure as they lose 4 quick wickets including him just for 75 runs
The wicketkeeper HAPW Jayewardene who opened the batting today with BSM Warnapura was the first to go Mashrafe Mortaza who spotted the perfect spot in the first over of the game managed to hit the ball below the knee roll of Prasanna Jayewardene in front of the leg stump and there were no hesitations for the umpire to raise his finger
Mortaza who gave the home side a good start on the batting pitch of BSSRAS, Chittagong continued to strike with his perfect line and length, his next victim was the present world test rank number two KC Sangakkara, Mortaza who pitched one it on a length outside managed to get a thick inside edge from Sangakkara’s bat on to the stumps when the visitors were on 7, the skipper DPMD Jayewardene who then came into bat also had to depart for 11 runs as Shakib Al Hasan managed to get an edge to the keeper, The home team was over the moon as they have managed to get rid of the two main attackers of Sri Lanka. Bangladeshi captain Mohammad Ashraful who continued to put pressure onto the Sri Lankan batsman then got another surprise when Shahadat Hossain gets a thick inside edge to the stumps from Samaraweera who saved the First game for the Lankans when they were in a similar situation, Sri Lankans were suddenly 75 for four wickets
But the real challenge for the Bangladeshi side came next when TM Dilshan teamed up with BSM Warnapura who was silently watching the collapse in the other end, TM Dilshan who displayed an aggressive knock in the second innings of the last test continued to hit the ball hard all around the ground taking maximum use of the pitch which is good for batting
Gradually TM Dilshan and BSM Warnapura managed to put pressure back onto the home team who was desperately looking to end the Sri Lankan innings before the day ends, the Partnership between them was 119 when the Bangladeshi skipper Mohammad Ashraful who took the task onto himself managed to hit the pads of Warnapura who was on 63 in his first delivery to him. Finally a breakthrough but the this dismissal also marked the beginning of another important partnership for the Lankans, CK Kapugedera who then came into bat scored consecutive boundaries in the same over conveying the message that he is not going to miss any of the loose deliveries.
TM Dilshan and CK Kapugedera who is renowned for aggressive batting continued their style hitting the ball all over the ground and both of them managed to hammer the loose balls hard and also to sneak singles for the good ones. Bangladeshi team who looked dangerous in the morning sessions was under immense pressure, TM Dilshan who carried out a fearless attack managed to get his sixth Test century to put Sri Lanka back in charge of the second Test in Chittagong, after guiding the team out from the woods TM Dilshan got out when Enamul Haque jnr managed to beat the bat of Dilshan to hit the stumps but it was too late the damage was done, Dilshan walked back to the dressing room after adding 162 runs for the score card.
At the end of the day one Sri Lanka are now 371 for six wickets looking dangerous and the credit should go to the Dilshan (162), Warnapura (63) and Kapugedera (93*) who displayed superb batting performance today to save the team and for Bangladeshis it will be another disappointing day as they have failed to continue their good start till the last over
Kapugedera (93*) and WPUJC Vaas (1*) will resume the day two of the match tomorrow
03.01.2009 : Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh second match to begin today
The second and the final test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will begin today at the Bir Srestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, Chittagong. (BSSRAS) - Start time 09.30am (03.30 GMT)
Following the stunning efforts by the Bangladeshis in the first game much will be expected from Mohammad Ashraful and his side in the second game, their fearless attempts to pull off a record-breaking chase of 521 in Mirpur can take as one of the best performance by a Bangladeshi side in a test match, unfortunately for them the result did not go their way as the Lankans managed to save the game in the final session of the fourth day but their effort sparked some life and gave them the much needed boost for the second match against the visiting Sri Lankans
But in the second game which is scheduled to begin today young Bangladeshis will face a new threat, the main wicket taking weapon of Sri Lanka the mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis, his late inclusion to the Test squad after recovering from an ankle injury can be a nightmare for the Bangladeshis as he is renowned to take wickets in an any stage of the match with his mysterious carrom ball style and his unusual releases with a snap of his fingers have perplexed even the most experienced players of spin in the world cricket
In the meantime the Chittagong Test will also mark a personal milestone for the Sri Lanka's skipper Mahela Jayewardene who plays his 100th Test. Since his debut in 1997 has so far scored 7926 runs at 52.84 and he is Sri Lanka's leading run-scorer in Tests
Bangladeshi team for the second game is likely to unchanged from the first match but the reports from the home camp has hinted on bringing an extra spinner for a seamer and for the visitors squad Rangana Herath is likely to be replaced by Ajantha Mendis
The game will begin at 09.30am (03.30 GMT)
31.12.2008 : Sri Lanka wins the first test match against Bangladesh by 107 runs
The day was all about courage’s batting by the young Bangladeshi batsman who gave Sri Lankans a mighty scare but a double-strike by the pace man Dammika Prasad at the right time gave the visiting team a 107 run victory over the hosts
The final day of the first test match which was played at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur would have been a pleasant surprise for the Bangladeshi fans to celebrate the New Year with a high tone but the cushion of a 500-plus lead which they had against Bangladeshis saved the day and the game for the Lankans
In their chase of the mammoth 520 run mark the Bangladeshi batsman were able to give Sri Lanka a few anxious moments, the 112 run stand between the skipper Mohammad Ashraful and Shakib Al Hasan was the first to frustrate the Sri Lankan bowling attack but fading the hopes from the home crowd Mohammad Ashraful had to depart for 101 runs for the bowling of WPUJC Vaas when the home team was on 292, the game was still wide open, Shakib Al Hasan who was in the other end playing a supportive role for his captain then took the charge and managed to put up another scary partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim of 111 runs against the strong bowling attack of Sri Lankans, on this stage the Bangladeshis were looking dangerous as they were eying on a possible historic victory, it was a time that the visiting team was loosing their hope and confidence but a double-strike by the pace man Dammika Prasad lead Bangladesh to give up their most miraculous chase and finally they fell with 107 runs short from the victory
First to go was Shakib Al Hasan who was four runs short of a deserved ton, Prasad who dragged it full outside off managed to get a thick inside edge onto the stumps of Shakib Al Hasan who tried to drive. His depart was bitter for the home side and the crowd, following his wicket Prasad managed to swings another one in to get a thin edge to the safe hands of keeper HAPW Jayawardene to send back Mashrafe Mortaza for just two runs
Bangladeshis were suddenly 8 for 409 runs and next go was Mushfiqur Rahim who was on 61 carrying out a lonely fight to resists the pressure but failed to beat the spin king Muralitharan the home side was eventually dismissed for 413
But altogether it was one of the finest performances by the Bangladeshi team though they lost the game by 107 runs and it will never be a shameful loss. The player of the match award was given to Shakib Al Hasan for his superb act with the both ball and the bat, he managed to grab 6 wickets in the game with a five wicket haul in the first innings and also managed to add 96 runs with in the second innings
Sri Lanka now leads the two match test series 1-0 the second game will begin on the third of January at the Bir Srestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, Chittagong
30.12.2008 : Bangladesh fights back
After enjoying a rest day in the middle of their first test match which is been played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur the Lankans were able to set a mammoth target against the young Bangladeshi side in the fourth day of the game
The Bangladeshi officials postpone the fourth day of the game which was scheduled to play yesterday due to their General elections which was held after 7 years
But the Lankans who were on top of the home side at the end of the third day managed to continue their good form with the bat and they succeeded in extending their lead by 520 runs, The skipper DPMD Jayawardene who spearheaded the Lankan score card scored a stunning 166 run knock to guide the team to 405 run mark, Sri Lankans were 406 for 5 wickets when they invited Bangladeshis to chase their massive total with one and a half days remaining
Bangladeshis openers who came into bat with the huge task of chasing an historic total managed to score 40 runs for the first wicket but failed to continue their effort as Imrul Kayes (13) had to walk back to the dressing room due to an unfortunate run out but after falling of his wicket the Bangladeshi bats man who came into middle managed to resists the pressure given by the Sri Lankan bowlers better than the first innings.
The opener Tamim Iqbal was the first to launch a fearless attack against the top class Sri Lankan bowlers he scored 47 runs before he nick one to the safe hands of HAPW Jayawardene and the much needed momentum was set, the young Bangladeshis never showed that they are going to give up this game, after Iqbal’s wicket Junaid Siddique was the next to go he also contributed 37 runs for the team, Following him Raqibul Hasan (24) and Mehrab Hossain jnr (23) got out but each and every one of them showed sheer courage but again failed to convert their twenties and thirties in to big scores
Most courageous knock of the day came from the bat of the Bangladeshi skipper Mohammad Ashraful who is still unbeaten on 70 and he will resume the final day of the game tomorrow with Shakib Al Hasan (34) who also gave a fine support for his skipper
As the young Bangladeshi side today managed to drag the game to the last day, the final day of the first test match which is scheduled to begin tomorrow will be much exited and the home team will try their best to entertain the home crowd and keep their pride on the home soil but to do that they have to survive another full day against the strong bowling attack of the visiting Sri Lankan team which comprise the very best bowlers of the world. Saving their wicket from M Muralitharan will be crucial on the final day as he has already taken 9 wickets in this game
28.12.2008 : Sri Lanka 291/4 at the end of the third day
Following their superb performance with the ball on day two the Sri Lankans were able to re-find their batting form in the third day of the first test match which is been played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur with Bangladesh
Though the home team managed to get both the Sri Lankan openers for 18 runs KC Sangakkara and DPMD Jayewardene was able to lay a good foundation for the Sri Lankan innings by putting up a 135 run partnership for the third wicket
After guiding the team out from the woods KC Sangakkara got out for 67 runs as he nicked one for the wicket keeper, following his wicket TT Samaraweera who was the savior of the Lankans in the first innings joined the skipper Jayewardene and frustrating the young Bangladeshi team more both of them also managed to set up a 138 run partnership for the fourth wicket but unfortunately TT Samaraweera got out in the last ball of the day for 62 runs making it four for 291
The Sri Lankan skipper DPMD Jayewardene (129*) who scored his 24th test century will resume the day four of the game tomorrow, The Sri Lankans now have a lead of 406 runs over Bangladesh
27.12.2008 : Sri Lanka bounce back strongly, Murali takes 5 for 48
Sri Lankans were able to bounce back strongly on the second day of the first test match which is been played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur against the young Bangladeshi side.
Starting the day well for the Lankans TT Samaraweera and all rounder WPUJC Vaas succeeded in dragging their feeble day one total of 172/6 to the 293 mark by putting up a 99 runs partnership to give them a safe total
Bangladeshis who then came into bat with lot of confidence displayed disappointing performance, Though Bangladeshi openers gave a solid start for the innings rest of the team failed to resist long to reach a bigger total, several Bangladeshi batsman had a good start but failed to convert their twenties and thirties in to big totals, showing lack of patients and momentum. Imrul Kayes who was the top run score for the home team scored 33, following him Junaid Siddique (29), Mehrab Hossain jnr (28) and Shakib Al Hasan (27) made some useful contributions
Once again it was the veteran spinner M Muralitharan was the one who brought back the game towards the Lankan camp by taking 5 wickets; WPUJC Vaas also grabbed 2 wickets
At the end of the days play Bangladeshis were 177/9, Mushfiqur Rahim (11*) and Mahbubul Alam (0*) will resume the day three of the game tomorrow
27.12.2008 : Sri Lanka all out for 293
Continuing their good form with the ball the Bangladeshis were able to bowled out the visiting Sri Lankans for 293 runs in 89.4 overs before the lunch break of the second day of the first test match which is been played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
Comparing with the first day The Sri Lankans were able to display some momentum and skills on the second day where TT Samaraweera and all rounder WPUJC Vaas succeeded in dragging their feeble total of 172/6 to the 293 mark by putting up a 99 runs partnership
But all the credit should go to the young Bangladeshi bowlers who astonished the strong Sri Lankan batting line up and put them under pressure from the very first ball, Shakib Al Hasan who led the bowling attack managed to grab 5 wickets for 70 runs
As the Bangladeshi bowlers have done their part, much will be expected from their batsman to surpass the Sri Lankan total and in the meantime Sri Lankans will have to try their best to restrict the young home side which is now in a good state of mind, the match will begin soon after the lunch break
26.12.2008 : Sri Lanka 172/6 at the end of the first day of the first test match with Bangladesh
The young Bangladesh side was able to dominate the first day of the first test which was played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur against the visiting Sri Lankans
After winning the toss the Sri Lankans who came into bat first struggled throughout the day as the Bangladeshi bowlers continues to strike in regular intervals.
When the total of the visitors reached 24 the Bangladeshi pace man Mashrafe Mortaza was able to get the first breakthrough for the home team by taking the wicket of BSM Warnapura for 14 runs, KC Sangakkara who then came into bat succeeded in setting up a useful partnership for the first wickets with MG Vandort who was struggling hard to middle the ball, both of them was able to put up a 95 run partnership before Shakib Al Hasan manage to take KC Sangakkara’s wicket when he was on 43, falling of Sangakkara’s wicket also marked the beginning of the collapse of the Sri Lankan team.
Shahadat Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan who operated from the both ends managed to expose the lower order of the strong Sri Lankan batting line up taking wickets in regular intervals, Vandort (44) had to walk back to the dressing room soon after Sangakkara’s wicket, following him the skipper DPMD Jayewardene (03), TM Dilshan (14) and HAPW Jayewardene (06) lost their wickets, giving the much needed boost for the young Bangladesh side
At the end of the day Sri Lankans were 172/6 in 57.4 overs, Shakib Al Hasan who did the main damage for the visitors succeeded in getting 3 wickets in 18 overs by giving only 43 runs, Shahadat Hossain also grabbed 2 wickets in 13.4
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