Bangladesh suffer late collapse on Day 2 after Mushfiqur-Litton stand
Bangladesh lost their way late on Day Two, collapsing from a strong position as they lost five wickets for just 26 runs—including set batters Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das—finishing the day at 484 for 9 in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday.
Bangladesh lost their way late on Day Two, collapsing from a strong position as they lost five wickets for just 26 runs—including set batters Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das—finishing the day at 484 for 9 in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday.
Mushfiqur's marathon innings was brought to an end when he was trapped lbw by Asitha Fernando, concluding a monumental 163-run effort. His dismissal also ended a 149-run partnership with Litton, who was dismissed in the very next over. Litton, having scored 90, narrowly missed out on a century after gloving a reverse sweep off Tharindu Rathnayake to Kusal Mendis behind the stumps.
Litton had earlier survived several nervous moments—Pathum Nissanka dropped a simple chance at short mid-wicket when he was on 14, and moments before that, he had narrowly avoided a run-out following a mix-up.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Jaker Ali, the final recognised batter, failed to contribute meaningfully, falling for just eight. Tailenders Taijul Islam (6) and Nayeem Hasan (11) were dismissed within two overs, leaving Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana to see off the remainder of the day.
Spinner Tharindu Rathnayake and pacers Asitha Fernando and Milan Rathnayake each claimed three wickets apiece.
Earlier in the day, a mammoth 264-run partnership between Mushfiqur and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was broken in the first session when Shanto was dismissed lbw by Fernando. This was followed by a rain delay lasting two and a half hours, which disrupted Bangladesh's rhythm and momentum.
Mushfiqur Dismissed for 163, Litton Falls Short of Century
Mushfiqur Rahim's epic innings ended on 163 when he was trapped lbw by Asitha Fernando in the final session of Day Two in Galle. His dismissal also brought to an end a valuable 149-run stand with Litton Das, who was dismissed just one over later.
Litton, having scored 90, fell short of what would have been a deserving century after unsuccessfully attempting a reverse sweep off Rathnayake. At that point, Bangladesh were 459 for 6 after 142 overs.
