Rahim, Das grind hosts in Galle

By: Shamil Amit

Mushiqur Rahim and Litton guided Bangladesh after the early dismissal of skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium. Skipper Shanto who was on 136 was able to add only another 12 runs before he fell victim to pacer Asitha Fernando after making 148 and sharing a 264-run stand for the fourth wicket with Mushfiqur Rahim.

Rahim found a reliable partner in Das with whom he took things under control as the pair too made a repeat of the first day proceedings. They posted the 350 runs on the board and then the 50 runs stand for the fifth wicket before going into the lunch break with the score on 383 for four.

The pair continued to torment the Sri Lanka bowling and Rahim in the process reached his century which took him 284 balls that included nine boundaries. This followed with Bangladesh’s 400 runs coming up and then Das racing to his half ton in only 64 balls which included five boundaries and a six and the 100-run stand between the pair followed.

Unfortunately only 13.2 overs of play were possible in the post lunch session as a heavy shower forced play to a halt. The resumption after a long period of nearly three hours proved to be a benefit for the Sri Lanka bowlers as they succeeded to take wickets at regular intervals.

It began with the dismissal of Rahim who fell victim to Asitha Fernando having made 163 from 350 balls with nine boundaries and putting on a valuable 149-run stand for the sixth wicket with Das who fell at the same score of 458 to become dual purpose bowler Tharindu Ratnayake’s third victim having made 80. From there on they lost three quick wickets with right arm pacer being responsible before the match was called off due to bad light with Bangladesh on 484 for nine.

Right arm pacies Asitha Fernando and Milan Ratnayake along with spinner Tharindu Ratnayke shared three wickets apiece. The match will be continued today and is scheduled to get underway early.