Taijul: It’ll be tough to survive on final day

A troubled Bangladesh will hope to sustain their wickets on the final day of the Chittagong Test match, which is now largely in favour of Sri Lanka. Three late Bangladesh wickets have lit up the hope for the tourist, who earlier posted a massive 713 runs for the loss of nine wickets before declaring their first innings with a lead of 200. Bangladesh had started the game with flying colours, posting 513 in their first innings only to see their bowlers struggle. The Tigers were left frustrated as the Lankan batsmen produced three hundreds and two half-centuries and batted for almost 200 overs. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam worked hard the most, labouring for 67.3 overs, conceding 219 runs taking four scalps. Trailing by 119 runs with seven wickets in hand, Bangladesh will be in a do-or-die situation on the final day and will no doubt be aiming for a draw.

Stumps, Day 4. Bangladesh trail by 119 runs.#BANvSL pic.twitter.com/547myIDMGU

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) February 3, 2018

“There is a lot to think, and a lot not to think about. We have to save the game. If our batsmen can survive the fifth day, then we can get something out of it,” said Taijul following the fourth day’s play in Chittagong’s Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium Saturday. The wicket at ZACCS has been a surprise and key to Bangladesh’s frustration. Bangladesh in the game had looked for a batting track, which will open up to aid the spinners as the game progresses. But the expectation was marred as the flat deck saw 1226 runs scored in the first two innings of the Test. “The wicket deteriorated as the match progressed. There was some more turn (Saturday). There are rough areas which were created as bowlers bowled from different angles. Rough can sometimes make a bad ball into a good one. As a batsman, it will be tough to survive,” the Bangladesh spinner said.