Sri Lanka continued to be in the driver’s seat against Bangladesh during the first Test at Galle. At the end of the fourth day, the visitors were 67 for no loss in reply to a 457-run target set by the Lankans, who declared at 274/5 in their second essay. Upul Tharanga (115) starred with the bat with a breezy hundred, his first on home soil.

Soumya Sarkar (53 not out) picked up from where he left in the first innings and bravely attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers at will en route to another half-century. Despite the threat of rain looming large, batting proved to be a comfortable task. The Sri Lankans, in search of quick runs, scored at close to four runs an over, but one suspects if Rangana Herath waited far too long before declaring. Rain is expected to play spoilsport on the fifth day as well. Play ended at least 12 overs earlier than scheduled.

Brief score:

  • Sri Lanka 494 & 274/5 (Upul Tharanga 115, Dinesh Chandimal 50 not out; Mehdi Hasan 2/77) lead Bangladesh 312 & 67/0 (Soumya Sarkar 53 not out) by 389 runs.