Mominul resists Sri Lanka’s victory charge

Bangladesh delayed Sri Lanka’s victory charge in the two-match series opening Test, thanks to Mominul Haque who made a resistance to help the side reach 129-7 at lunch on Day 4 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

At the first interval of the day, Mominul was batting 46 with Shoriful Islam on 3 as Bangladesh still require 382 runs.

The hosts are chasing an improbable 511-run target for a victory to take 1-0 lead in the series.

After resuming at 47-5, Bangladesh are expected to be faltered in the morning session and the belief was further sparked when pacer Kasun Rajitha had Taijul Islam leg-before for 6 in the second over of the day.

Mominul and Mehidy Hasan Miraz combined for a 66-run for the seventh wicket but Rajitha who claimed 3-48, again struck when Miraz played an expensive drive to get thick outside edge after making 33 off 50 with six fours.

Pacer Vishwa Fernando couldn’t add any on Day 4 as he finished with 3-26.

Sri Lanka posted 280 in the first innings with captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis both hitting 102. After wrapping up Bangladesh for 188, de Silva and Kamindu again hit centuries as Sri Lanka put up 418 in its second innings, to set a 511-run target for Bangladesh. (BSS)