In the first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Sylhet, Khaled Ahmed’s impressive bowling display led to Sri Lanka’s top-order collapse as the hosts asserted their dominance in the opening session.
At lunch, Sri Lanka struggled at 92-5, with skipper Dhananjaya de Silva fighting to stabilize the innings at 25, accompanied by Kamindu Mendis on 11.
Opting to bowl first on a green surface, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s decision was vindicated by Khaled’s early breakthroughs. Khaled dismissed opener Nishan Madushka for two runs, caught by Mehidy Hasan at third slip.
Although Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis managed a partnership of 37 runs for the second wicket, Khaled struck again by having Mendis caught by Zakir Hasan at gully for 16. In the same over, Khaled bowled Karunaratne with an in-swinger for 17.
Najmul further added to Sri Lanka’s troubles by running out Angelo Mathews for just five with a direct throw. Shoriful Islam then removed Dinesh Chandimal for nine, with Mehidy taking his second catch of the morning at leg slip.
Despite a dropped catch opportunity for Kamindu, Sri Lanka ended the session on a struggling note with De Silva and Kamindu trying to stabilize the innings. It’s worth noting that Sri Lanka has never lost a Test series to Bangladesh.
The second and final match of the series is scheduled to take place in Chittagong starting from March 30.
