Also read: Bangladesh went into negative approach, says Dickwella
Bangladesh were dealt another blow in the last over of the day when they lost the key wicket of Mushfiq. Mushfiq prodded forward on the front foot but got bat on it. It bounced up to silly point and Kusal Mendis took the catch. The soft signal from the umpire was not out but TV replays showed the ball bounced from Mushfiq’s boot after touching the bat. And so Rangana Herath struck in the last over and took a crucial wicket. Earlier, Sri Lanka resumed the day on 504/3 in 138 overs and eventually declared their innings on 713/9 in 199.3 overs. Roshen Silva smashed his maiden Test century as the right-hander scored 109 off 230 balls with six fours and one over boundary. Chandimal missed his century as the Sri Lanka captain scored 87 off 185 balls with three boundaries. Dickwella scored some quick runs in the late stages, smashing 62 off 61 balls with nine fours. Sri Lanka went on to take a 200-run lead.
Also read: It’ll be tough to survive on final day, says Taijul
Taijul Islam took four wickets conceding 219 runs which while Mehedi Hasan Miraz took three wickets giving away 174 runs. Sanjamul Islam, making his Test debut, took only one wicket conceding 153 runs. With the Tigers trailing by 119 before making the Lankans bat again, Mominul Haque, the first innings centurion, holds the key. He needs to play another big innings in order to save the Test for Bangladesh. Bangladesh also have skipper Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain and Miraz in their batting line-up. The trio will also need to be responsible and bat as long as possible. But the visiting side definitely have the upper hand as the pitch will assist the spinners on day five and with Rangana Herath in their ranks, the Tigers will need to play extremely well.BRIEF SCOREBangladesh 81/3 in 26.5 overs (Tamim 41*, Imrul 19*) & 513 trail Sri Lanka 713/9d in 199.3 overs (Mendis 196, De Silva 173) by 119 runs