Rain gods played spoilsport as the first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium ended in a high-scoring. After Bangladesh had posted 541/7d in the first innings, Sri Lanka rode on the back of Dimuth Karunaratne’s double century to better the tally by accumulating 648/8d.
Bangladesh came on to bat in the second innings and a certain Tamim Iqbal went on to eclipse a unique record with the bat. By the time he completed his half-century, Bangladesh were 52/2 which is now the lowest total for a team when a player has scored a half-century.
The previous record was held by Australia’s JJ Lyons in 1890. The right-handed batsman had completed his half-century when his team had posted 55 runs against England. West Indies’ Chris Gayle holds a similar record. The hard-hitting opener completed his half-century when West Indies had put 55 runs against New Zealand in 2014.
Tamim Iqbal remained unbeaten on 74 with 10 fours and three sixes as the match was drawn during the second session on Day 5. Mominul Haque remained on the crease alongside Iqbal after having scored 23 off 86 deliveries. Dimuth Karunaratne was rightly adjudged as the Man of the Match. The Sri Lanka captain scored 244 runs in 437 balls at a strike rate of 55.84.
Meanwhile, even if not for the rain, the match was anyway heading for a draw. The teams were already into the final day and Bangladesh were trailing with 107 runs. The match ended after Bangladesh had put 100/2 on the board.
Featured photo: AFP / Ishara S. Kodikara
