Prabath Jayasuriya silenced questions over his form in emphatic style, claiming 5 for 56 as Sri Lanka crushed Bangladesh by an innings and 78 runs on the fourth morning in Colombo to seal a 1-0 series victory.
The 33-year-old left-arm spinner had struggled through the first Test and remained wicketless in the first innings here, inviting scrutiny about his place in the XI. But when it mattered most, he rediscovered his rhythm, spinning Bangladesh out for a paltry 133 in their second innings at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
There was a difference between the two matches. Bowlers and batters did well in the first innings here. Bowlers had their plans and executed well. That’s a good morale booster for us, losing the toss and putting the opposition under pressure.
Bangladesh began the day on 115 for 6, still 95 runs adrift and hoping their lower order could salvage some pride. But Jayasuriya wrapped up the innings within half an hour, picking up three of the last four wickets as the visitors folded meekly.
Sri Lanka’s commanding victory had been set up by a superb batting performance. Pathum Nissanka struck a majestic 158, his second century in as many Tests, while Dinesh Chandimal added a polished 93. Kusal Mendis provided the flourish with a rapid 84 off just 87 balls, propelling the hosts to a daunting 458.
De Silva reserved special praise for Nissanka’s consistency: “He’s been performing in all three formats for a long time, and I think he will continue to do that,” he said.
Very disappointing after how we finished the first Test, the way this one went. The way we batted in the first innings wasn’t up to the mark. We had opportunities, but we couldn’t make those things. I still feel we should have batted first.
Reflecting on the lack of discipline, he added: “We always took the easy options and made mistakes while batting. I think the way we bowled on Day 3 was really nice to see in these kinds of conditions.”
The loss proved so dispiriting that Shanto announced he would step down as Bangladesh’s Test captain. The left-hander, who had scored a fine hundred in the series opener, said it was a decision made in the team’s interest.
“I don’t want to continue \[as captain] in the Test format anymore. This is not personal. I have taken the decision for the betterment of the team. I think this will help the team. I think three captains \[for the three international formats] is not sensible.”
While Jayasuriya was deservedly the headline act, de Silva also highlighted the role of young players like Sonal Dinusha, who impressed with 3 for 22 in the first innings.
Of course, [Dinusha] has the ability to get some breakthroughs. It’s a very good sign when you have a strong bench putting pressure on the playing XI — that’s the team I want.
Sri Lanka will take great heart from this clinical performance, while Bangladesh are left to rebuild and rethink, now also needing a new Test leader.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh* 247 & 133 all out in 44.2 overs (Mushfiqur Rahim 26; Prabath Jayasuriya 5-56, Dhananjaya de Silva 2-13, Tharindu Ratnayake 2-19) lost to Sri Lanka* 458 (Pathum Nissanka 158, Dinesh Chandimal 93, Kusal Mendis 84) by an innings and 78 runs.
