Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Akila Dananjaya, Rangana Herath spin visitors to series victory

Dhaka: Off-spinner Akila Dananjaya claimed five wickets in an innings on debut as Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 215 runs in the second Test to win the two-Test series 1-0 in Dhaka on Saturday. Set a target of 339 runs, a collapse-prone Bangladesh were all out for 123 in 29.3 overs in their second innings in the second session of the third day, without offering much of a challenge. Dananjaya finished with 5-24 to take his match haul to eight wickets while experienced Rangana Herath claimed 4-49. [caption id=“attachment_4344989” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Sri Lankan cricketers congratulate teammate Akila Dananjaya (C) after dismissal of Mahmudullah Riyad. AFP[/caption] Sri Lanka bowled out Bangladesh for 110 runs in the first innings to take a 112-run lead after they made 222 runs in their opening innings. “It was a really good series. The first Test was a nightmare for the bowlers and this one was a nightmare for batsmen,” said Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal. “We executed all our plans and credit goes to the entire team. We felt that this pitch could assist spinners, but we were a bit surprised at the way it played.” Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad was dejected after the loss. “Feeling really disappointed. It was a result-oriented pitch and our batsmen let us down. We should have been more careful with the choice of shots on this wicket. First innings became crucial,” he said. “Their bowlers were very good, always kept us under pressure. We let them off the hook at times.” The visitors’ victory was never in doubt after they posted 226 runs in their second innings, resuming the third day’s play on 200-8. Roshen Silva remained unbeaten on 70, adding 48 runs with fellow overnight batsman Suranga Lakmal for the ninth wicket to extend their lead on a difficult pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam bowled Lakmal for 21 to end the partnership before he trapped Herath leg-before off the next ball to wrap up the Sri Lanka innings. Taijul finished with 4-76 taking his tally to eight wickets in the match but Bangladesh were always in the back foot once they started their second innings on a massively turning wicket. Sri Lanka began their victory push as Dilruwan Perera removed opener Tamim Iqbal for two in just the second over of the innings. Herath got rid of Imrul Kayes before the lunch break as wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella took a catch, just a ball after he hit the left-arm spinner for a six. Herath added Mominul Haque (33) and Mushfiqur Rahim (25) after the lunch break before Dananjaya stepped on to the scene and did the rest. Silva, who also scored 56 runs in the first innings, was adjudged the man of the match. The first Test ended in a draw in Chittagong. The two teams will now play two Twenty20 internationals with the first match in Dhaka on 15 February.