Bangladesh stands on the brink of a historic milestone as they prepare to take on Sri Lanka in the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground on Wednesday. A victory would mark Bangladesh's first-ever Test series win against Sri Lanka, adding a significant feather to their cap. The crucial match is set to begin at 10:30 AM (Bangladesh Time).
The first Test in Galle concluded in a draw, despite Bangladesh dominating large portions of the game. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with centuries in both innings, a remarkable feat that makes him only the 15th batter globally to achieve this more than once. Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim also found his rhythm, notching an epic 163 and 49 across two innings, silencing critics after a run of 13 fifty-less innings. Litton Das shrugged off his poor form with a crucial 90 in the first innings.
While Bangladesh's batting, often considered their weakest link, fired on all cylinders, the bowlers also shone, creating genuine opportunities for a win. Many believed Bangladesh could have sealed victory in Galle with a more adventurous approach, leading to criticism of Mushfiqur and Shanto for seemingly prioritising personal milestones over the team's cause.
However, Shanto later clarified their strategy, asserting that the team's primary goal was to prevent defeat. He also pointed to the sudden rain on Day 5, disrupting their original plans. "I can assure you that no one in our dressing room plays for personal milestones," Shanto stated. "We couldn't execute the decision we had taken because of the rain. And the wicket didn't break up as we expected. That's why we didn't declare at that time."
Unlike Galle, the SSC is renowned for producing decisive Test results. Statistics from the venue indicate that 31 of the 45 Tests held here have yielded a winner. The last drawn match at the SSC was in 2014, also due to rain, and no Test has ended in a draw since 2010.
Bangladesh's past record at the SSC is less favourable, having lost all three of their previous Tests here by substantial margins. Their last appearance at this ground was 18 years ago. Despite this, the venue holds a cherished memory for Bangladesh cricket: in 2001, Mohammad Ashraful scored a stunning century on debut here, becoming the youngest Test centurion, a record that remains intact.
The return of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who missed the first Test due to illness, is a significant boost for Bangladesh. His inclusion not only provides crucial balance to the squad but also aligns perfectly with the SSC pitch's historical tendency to favour spinners.
Spinners have accounted for 51.92% of the wickets at the SSC, compared to pacers' 48.08%. Sri Lankan spin legend Muthiah Muralitharan tops the wicket tally here with a staggering 166 scalps. While Bangladesh batsmen handled Sri Lankan spinners with relative ease in the first Test, giving them confidence, it's worth noting Prabath Jayasuriya claimed eight wickets in Sri Lanka's 10-wicket victory against Afghanistan at this very venue last year. Interestingly, even Sri Lanka has struggled against visiting spinners here recently. In 2022, Pakistan's spin duo Abrar Ahmed and Nouman Ali outclassed Sri Lanka at the SSC, a statistic that could further embolden Bangladesh.
Colombo itself holds a special place in Bangladesh's cricket folklore. It was in this city, albeit at a different venue (P Sara Oval), that Bangladesh secured their 100th Test victory in 2017, which remains their only Test win against Sri Lanka. In 27 encounters, Bangladesh has drawn six and lost 20 matches against their island neighbours. Shanto remains optimistic that his side can alter these statistics if they play to their potential. "We know Sri Lanka is one of the toughest opposition for us and our record is not good against them," Shanto conceded. "But still, if we can play our top cricket in all three departments, we can beat any team in the world." With Miraz's return, Bangladesh will have to make one change to their playing XI. The axe is likely to fall on opener Anamul Haque Bijoy, who managed scores of 0 and 4 in the first Test.
