Galle Test: Day two called off early as Bangladesh close to 500

Rain forced a two-and-a-half-hour stoppage in play, followed by poor light that prompted an earlier start to day three by 15 minutes.

Bangladesh were at 484 for 9 at the end of day two, with pace-bowling duo— Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana— were unbeaten for a duck each. 

Centuries from Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto were the highlights of Bangladesh’s innings so far.

Litton Das fell only 10 runs short of his own century. 

Mushfiqur made 163, while Litton fell for 90 after forming a 149-run stand. Before this stand, Musfiqur and Shanto added 264, with Shanto hitting 148. 

Mushfiqur and Litton fell in quick succession that shocked Bangladesh right after passing the 450-run mark. 

Bangladesh were at 292 for three at the end of day one. Following an early setback of losing three wickets inside 17 overs, Mushfiqur and Shanto formed a solid stand.

Mushfiqur’s century was the 12th century for Mushfiqur in his career, and the second in Galle after his double-ton in 2013. 

Shanto fell prey to Asitha Fernando with only two runs short of 150. He was caught at mid-off. Angelo Mathews, who is playing his last Test, grabbed a low catch to send Shanto back. 

For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, and Tharindu Rathnayake shared nine wickets equally among them. Tharindu is making his Test debut with this match. 

Bangladesh, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, saw Litton and Mushfiqur forge a 100-run partnership, propelling the Tigers past the 400-run mark despite the absence of key player Mehidy Hasan Miraz due to illness, reports UNB.