Bangladesh feared that Kumar Sangakkara would score 400 runs given the manner in which he was progressing after reaching his maiden triple hundred during the second day of the second Test in Chittagong on Wednesday. The Tigers expected Sri Lanka to declare after Sangakkara’s triple century as they were already nine wickets down, but Angelo Mathews decided otherwise, allowing the left-hander to continue hammering the bowlers.
Nasir Hossain finally dismissed him on 319 to bring to an end to the tourists’ innings at 587. Nasir celebrated wildly as Sohag Gazi took the catch at long on, which indicated that it was more than a relief for the Tigers.
‘There was no special reason to celebrate his wicket,’ Nasir revealed later at the press conference. ‘At one stage we realised he was going to score 300. When he got it, I was afraid maybe he could go for 400. I was determined not to give him that chance.’
‘This was the wicket we needed badly because their last wicket partnership was getting bigger. It feels really good to get his wicket as he is a great player,’ said Nasir, who was also involved in Sangakkara’s dismissal in the first Test.
Bangladesh remained steady in their reply, reaching 86-1 at close on the second day despite losing a wicket on the fourth ball of their innings.
Suranga Lakmal bowled Tamim Iqbal for a duck to bring about a
sense of déjà vu, but Shamsur Rahman (45 not out) and Imrul Kayes (36 not out) remained together to see off the day.
However, the Tigers could easily have been three down had Mahela Jayawardene not dropped Shamsur on 36 before Nuwan Pradeep grassed a simple catch given by Kayes on 31.
Nasir said that if they could keep their composure on the third day and avoid playing similar shots they would still have a chance to get a positive result from the match.
‘We are not on the back foot yet in this game,’ said Nasir.
‘If we can bat for the whole day tomorrow, we will be in a good position. All we need is to keep our cool,’ he added.
-With New Age input
