Bangladesh fall short of 500 on a day of regret

Najmul Hossain Shanto may be left with regret, Mushfiqur Rahim with disappointment, and Litton Das—who lost his wicket late in the day—might feel equally frustrated. All three came agonizingly close to significant personal milestones but couldn’t quite reach them. It was that kind of day for Bangladesh in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka, even though they remained in the contest with 484 runs on the scoreboard.

Bangladesh began the day on 292 at the Galle International Stadium and added nearly 200 more runs. However, rain caused a two-and-a-half-hour delay, and play was later called off early due to poor light. In the final session, the Tigers suffered a major collapse, losing 5 wickets for just 26 runs, casting doubt over their chances of reaching the 500-run mark. With nine wickets down, they will resume on Day 3 with tailenders Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana at the crease.

The day of missed opportunities began in the morning. Shanto, who had played brilliantly the previous day, fell just short of a major milestone. Although he was given a lifeline on 148 when Sri Lanka dropped a catch, he couldn’t capitalize and was dismissed on the same score. He also missed the chance to set a record fourth-wicket partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim.

Following Shanto’s departure, Mushfiqur formed another solid stand—this time with Litton Das. Resuming on 105, Mushfiqur went on to register his seventh Test score of 150 or more, eventually falling for 163, just short of a double century. Earlier, he and Shanto had stitched together a 264-run partnership off 480 balls. He then combined with Litton for another 149 runs off 265 deliveries for the fifth wicket.

Litton Das, too, fell agonizingly short of a personal milestone. For the third time in his Test career, he was dismissed in the nervous 90s. After Mushfiqur’s departure, Litton failed to add to the score. Attempting a reverse sweep off spinner Tharindu Ratnayake, he was caught behind for 90. This wasn’t his first brush with disappointment—he had previously fallen for 94 against Sri Lanka in Chattogram in 2018, and for 95 against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2021. Among Bangladeshi batters, only Mushfiqur Rahim has been dismissed in the 90s more times, with four such instances.

Following the dismissals of Mushfiqur and Litton, Bangladesh’s innings unraveled. Zakir Ali (8) was bowled by a superb delivery from Milan Rathnayake, who also sent back Taijul Islam (6). Nayeem Hasan (11) then edged one behind. In the final session, Bangladesh collapsed, losing five wickets for just 26 runs. Sri Lankan bowlers Tharindu Ratnayake, Milan Rathnayake, and Asitha Fernando each claimed three wickets, casting serious doubt over Bangladesh’s chances of reaching the 500-run mark.

Despite the late collapse, Bangladesh still have reasons to stay hopeful. A quick Sri Lankan wicket early on Day 3 could tilt momentum in their favor. Even if they fall short with the bat, the bowlers—Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana—will need to step up to keep Bangladesh in control of the Test match.