Chittagong- Lahiru Kumara’s 4-50 helped Sri Lanka defeat Bangladesh by 192 runs in the second Test, clinching the series 2-0. The fast bowler secured the final wicket of Khaled Ahmed, sealing a dominant victory before lunch on the fifth day.

Bangladesh, chasing 511 in their second innings, managed only 50 runs after resuming at 268-7. Mehidy Hasan Miraz fought valiantly, finishing unbeaten on 81 with his sixth Test half-century.

With Sri Lanka’s victory almost assured, Mehidy displayed aggressive batting to reach his fifty off 68 balls. However, overnight partner Taijul Islam fell for 14 to off-spinner Kamindu Mendis.

Kamindu, who also scored an unbeaten 92 in the first innings, claimed 3-32 and was awarded the man of the match. He was named player of the series for his exceptional performance in both Tests.

Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva praised his team’s efforts, highlighting their adaptability on different pitches. He also credited the bowlers for their accuracy and strategic use of reverse swing.

Sri Lankan pacers took 33 of Bangladesh’s 40 wickets, a remarkable achievement considering the spin-friendly conditions. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted his team’s batting failures and emphasized the importance of converting starts into big scores.

Sri Lanka won the first Test in Sylhet by 328 runs and also claimed victory in the T20 series 2-1. However, they lost the one-day international series by the same margin.

Bangladesh’s next international series will be against Zimbabwe, with five T20 matches scheduled for May, ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.-AFP