1st Test: Bangladesh openers steady after Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews stars with 199

While Angelo Mathews sparkled with a 199-run knock, off-spinner Nayeem Hasan picked up a stupendous six-wicket haul in the Chattogram Test.

Mominul Haque’s Bangladesh would be fairly satisfied with proceedings on Day 2 of the Chattogram Test despite Angelo Mathews’ 199-run knock. Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal stitched together a partnership of 136 runs for the fifth wicket to keep the Tigers at bay for quite some time. But the home team made a comeback and bowled their opponents out for 397.

Nayeem Hasan, who may not have played if Mehidy Hasan Miraz was fit, picked up a six-wicket haul. He also denied Mathews from getting to his second double century in Test cricket. Mathews tried to play Nayeem through the leg-side, but holed out to Shakib at square leg. The Magura-born Shakib picked up three wickets after he recovered from COVID-19.

MATHEWS JOINS RAHUL

After going wicket-less in the first innings, Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed couldn’t make a breakthrough even in the second day’s play. Mathews also became the second Sri Lankan batter to get out on 199 in Test cricket after the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya. He also joined KL Rahul in the 199-run club.

Chandimal lent Mathews apt support as he scored 66 runs before getting out to Nayeem. During this while, Vishwa Fernando copped a blow on his helmet and had to retire hurt, but he came back to bat in the final session of the day’s play. The visitors didn’t opt for a concussion substitute.

The Bangladesh openers looked solid during their stay in the middle. Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudul Hasan Joy made sure the Tigers didn’t face any hiccups. The home team scored 76 in 19 overs and reduced the trial to 321. While Tamim scored 35 at a strike-rate of 67.30, Joy stayed not out on 31.