Sri Lanka hold on for draw

There was no late drama as the first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka ended in an expected draw on the fifth day at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram yesterday.

Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella held their own, stitching together a stubborn 99-run seventh-wicket stand, as Sri Lanka amassed 260 for six in their second innings before players from both sides agreed to end the game as a draw about an hour early.

Given how events transpired on the first four days, a draw was the most likely outcome. However, Bangladesh did raise hopes for a result when left-arm spinner Taijul Islam removed Kusal Mendis, after his brisk 48 off just 43 deliveries, and Angelo Mathews, player of the match for his first-innings 199, in quick succession just ahead of lunch.

Things looked more promising for the Tigers when Taijul once again struck to have Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne (52 off 138) caught at midwicket before Shakib Al Hasan scalped the wicket of Dhananjaya de Silva, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 161 for six with just a 93-run lead.

However, Dickwella and Chandimal were able to survive that tricky period and looked solid since the tea break as Sri Lanka eventually ended the game without further damage.    

Taijul ended as the pick of the bowlers for the Tigers, returning figures of four for 82 in 34 overs in the second innings.