A changed Shakib (116) scoring his fifth century, debutant Mosaddek (75) with veni, vidi vici appearance and ever reliable Mushfique (52) playing cool yet again put Bangladesh strongly on 100th test at stumps of day three. Sri Lanka still trails by 75 runs and require batting to the best of their ability for saving the match on a wearing pitch against quality Bangladesh bowling attack.
Bangladesh, in our opinion, experienced the best three days of a test match against the superior team at overseas at P Sara Oval Colombo in its centurion test. At stumps on day three, Bangladesh is still 75 runs ahead of Sri Lanka after it responded with splendid 467 to Sri Lankan first innings of 338-run. Shakib scored his 5th test century, debutant Mosaddek scored a polished 75, and captain Mushfique scored yet another half century. The entire team batted to the best of their abilities excepting few blemishes in the last half of an hour of day two when nervy batsmen Kayes, Sabbir and Taijul gifted their wickets and Shakib was saved by the butter fingers of Sri Lankan fielders.
Shakib had to prove to few key members of his team management that he is class above what few of the staff used to be in their playing days. For best reasons, best known to Shakib and team management his body language over the last few days was not positive. There were few gossips that he was not having great time with head coach. Sri Lanka survived the 15 overs left in the last session knocking off 54 runs of the lead without losing any wicket. It can be visioned that at least Bangladesh would not lose the test from here on. On this wicket Sri Lanka has to bat the entire fourth day if they can for a 250 runs lead. They may not feel safe declaring at less than 350 at least. On the other hand, if Bangladesh bowls the way they did on the first day it will create opportunity for winning.
Bangladesh resumed their innings at 214/5 on Friday morning with 124 runs in arrears. From the abject surrender of Bangladeshi batsmen in last half an hour of day two, many observed that it would be tall task for Bangladesh taking lead. Shakib and Mushfique appeared with completely different attitude possibly from team talks. The two senior professionals and the debutant Mosaddek batted brilliantly in the 6th and 7th wicket partnership. Shakib and Mushfique added 92 on the 6th wicket and Mosaddek and Shakib 131 in 7th wicket partnership.
They not only wiped out the deficit but also put the team firmly in front. It would be interesting to know by playing through very important Shakib innings (116), who gave shock therapy to whom? Very casual flamboyant Shakib of day two appeared with his customary brilliance on day three. He played many trademark cuts and pulls and never let Lankan bowlers dominate.
Mr. consistent Mushfique (52), on the other hand, was solid as ever. His deflections, deft touches were trademarks of his quality and temperament. His innings of assurance helped Shakib playing aggressively. After departure of Mushfique, getting out to Sandakan, debutant Mosaddek joined Shakib still going great. The youngster was regularly among runs in local cricket in all formats. He showed no nerves. Being unperturbed by the aggressive Lankan bowlers, he played some classic cover drives. His confidence was oozing. Mosaddek, scoring 75 on his debut, scored the highest for a Bangladesh batsman batting at number eight. Once Shakib left, Mosaddek championed the rear-guard tail wagging. He was the last man out after scoring a quality 75-run.
Bangladesh added 253 runs on day three in the last 5 wickets taking a sizeable lead of 129. Two quality spinners of different quality wily old horse Herath (4/84) and Sandakan (4/140) exploited expertly whatever spin the wicket offered. Bangladesh, sill 75 runs ahead, is comfortably placed for pressing on day four. From here Bangladesh should at least manage an honourable draw.
The first session of the fourth day would indicate to which direction the test would be heading. The ball is still new and the wicket has developed some cracks. Mustafiz and Mehedi can be real threat. Shakib, with tails up, may also enjoy bowling here. If Bangladesh can get early breakthroughs, they can create tremendous pressure on the visitors. If Sri Lanka can be restricted to a lead below 200, Bangladesh may win the test. Anything above that on day five may be difficult chasing.
At stumps on day three, the advantage is to Bangladesh. It depends whether Bangladesh has the stomach for a win.
BDST: 1249 HRS, MAR 18, 2017
SR
