The second test match of the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh test series saw the hosts turn up with a spirited all-round performance; resulting in a comprehensive victory over their sub-continental rivals by 209-runs.
A comprehensive all-round performance from the Lankan Lions
While the emerald islanders had plenty to cheer for in the performances of Lahiru Thirimanne and Dimuth Karunaratne- two of their most experienced batsmen; it was their new-look spin-bowling attack that created the biggest impact.
Debutant left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama starred with a man-of-the-match worthy performance, ending the game with figures 11/178. He was ably supported by the dextrous off-break bowling of Ramesh Mendis, who was making his second test-match appearance himself. The Lankan spin-twins (troika if you include part-timer Dhananjaya de Silva) wreaked absolute havoc in the Bangladesh batting lineup; never allowing the tourists to settle in and picking up crucial scalps at the right junctures of the game.
The Bangladeshi batting effort lacked consistency; with just Mushfiqir Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, and captain Mominul Haque delivering some face-saving cameos. It was a disappointing and unspirited performance from the Bangla Tigers, which is quite fitting with the showcase of our highlights reel for today.
Taijul Islam slips his shoe and knocks the bails off the stumps
Bangladesh ended their first innings on 251, lagging behind SL’s first innings total of 493 by 242-runs. Taijul Islam was the last man to fall, and his dismissal was a rather interesting one.
In an attempt to deflect a length delivery off Suranga Lakmal’s bowling, Taijul Islam played a defensive shot towards the silly-point region. Unfortunately, though, Taijul ended up moving his backward a bit too awkwardly; causing the shoe of his left foot to switch and nudge the stumps. The movement caused the bails to fall off too, resulting in Taijul being declared out by hit-wicket; one of the most unlucky ways to get out in the modern game.
While there was no doubt that Taijul had knocked off the bails, the umpires still opted to go for a full video review. Thanks to that, we have obtained this high-quality footage of Taijul Islam and his freakish dismissal. Here’s the video:
Brief scores: SL 493/7d and 194/9d (D Karunaratne 118 and 66, P Jayawickrama 11/178) defeated BAN 251 and 227 (T Iqbal 92 and 24, Taisul Islam 6/155) by 209 runs.