Rathanyake optimistic that SL can take lead despite Bangladesh’s 484

June 19, 2025

Sri Lankan pace bowler Milan Priyanath Rathnayake was confident the hosts could amass a lead in their first innings in the first Test at Galle despite Bangladesh posting 484 for 9 at the end of Day 2.
Bangladesh were riding high on the back of centuries from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim and a valuable 90 from Litton Das.
At one stage, the tourists were cruising at 458 for 4 before three wickets from Rathnayake in quick succession changed the complexion of the game.
"This is only my fifth Test, and I'm very happy to contribute later in the day and it was a tough wicket to bowl on, but I thought we did a decent job, especially in the last hour," Rathnayake said.
"It's still a good wicket to bat on. We hope to knock them off quickly tomorrow and then bat well. We have a very strong batting line-up and hopefully we'll get a lead," said Rathnayake.
Rathnayake added they attempted to keep things tight after being pushed by the Bangladesh batting unit during the two century-plus stands.
"It was one of the flattest wickets we've seen in Galle," said Rathnayake. "The task was to keep things tight even though wickets weren't coming. I thought we did that quite well throughout the day," he said.
"When they were building pressure and taking the attack to us, it was important to stay calm and show character. I thought after tea, we came back stronger to claim five wickets for not many," he added.

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