Will missed chances come back to haunt the Tigers?
There has been hardly any purchase for the bowlers so far in Bangladesh's ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
A team cannot afford to squander even half-chances on such a barren track. And failing to even hold on to the few chances that were created only dampened the spirits of the Bangladesh spinners who toiled hard throughout against a side that have enough knowledge about how to capitalise on such a batting-friendly pitch.
Sri Lanka ended their first innings at 397 all out in the third session of day two after batting for 153 overs. The total might not be that big if someone considers the condition but Bangladesh could have been in a better position in the Test had they capitalised on some good chances.
Sri Lanka batter Angelo Mathews missed a double hundred for just one run but his innings, which eventually denied Bangladesh taking control of the game, could have ended early.
An excellent delivery from Khaled Ahmed early on Day 2 went past the outside edge of the blade of Mathews when he was on 119. But to everyone's surprise,no appeal from the Bangladesh side ensued.
The previous day, Bangladesh had only themselves to blame for their predicament as Mahmudul Hasan Joy missed a straightforward catch in the slip cordon off the bowling of Taijul Islam, which would have sent Matthews back for 69.
And when young Nayeem Hasan and experienced Shakib Al Hasan found their groove on the second day, a lacklustre Mushfiqur Rahim in the outfield dropped Vishwa Fernando, who was then yet to open his account, to deprive Shakib from another wicket. Fernando remained not out on 17 off 84 deliveries.
Later in the session, another poor fielding effort by the Tigers would see Asitha Fernando survive a run-out scare.
Bangladesh did start well in their first innings with Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudul Hasan Joy steering the Tigers to 76 for no loss at stumps on Day 2. But the Tigers still have a long way to go in the five-day contest and they would only hope that these missed chances don't come back to haunt them later in the Test.
Comments