Cricholic
⭐ Nayeem Spins Web Around Sri Lanka to Regain Momentum
Nayeem Hasan turned the tide for Bangladesh on Day 4 of the Galle Test. With Sri Lanka resuming at 368/4, the visitors were in a strong position. However, Nayeem’s early breakthrough, removing Dhananjaya de Silva, gave Bangladesh the spark they needed.
Soon after, Hasan Mahmud dismissed Kusal Mendis with a fine delivery. From that point, Nayeem took charge. He dismissed the well-set Kamindu Mendis and then ripped through the tail. As a result, Sri Lanka collapsed from 465/5 to 485 all out.
This was Nayeem’s fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Importantly, his 5/121 gave Bangladesh a narrow but valuable 10-run first-innings lead.
🔥 Kamindu Mendis Shows Fight Amid Collapse
Although Sri Lanka lost early wickets, Kamindu Mendis stood firm. He played with maturity and control, rotating the strike regularly while punishing loose balls. Additionally, his aggressive pull shot for six off Nahid Rana showcased his confidence.
Together with Milan Rathnayake, Kamindu added 84 runs for the seventh wicket. The partnership helped Sri Lanka inch closer to Bangladesh’s 495. However, once Kamindu edged behind off Nayeem for 87, the innings quickly fell apart.
In contrast to his teammates, Kamindu’s knock was a display of composure and grit under pressure.
🏏 Nayeem’s Impact Continues as Bangladesh Consolidate
Following their narrow lead, Bangladesh’s openers began cautiously. Anamul Haque survived an early LBW appeal, thanks to umpire’s call. Nevertheless, his innings didn’t last long, as he edged Jayasuriya to the keeper.
Meanwhile, Shadman Islam looked solid. He struck early boundaries and built a steady partnership with Mominul Haque. Although Mominul’s brief cameo ended with a top-edge on a sweep shot, Shadman pushed on confidently.
Soon, he reached his half-century with an elegant straight drive. Afterward, he and Najmul Hossain Shanto added a vital 68-run stand. While Shadman eventually fell to Milan Rathnayake for 76, Bangladesh had already gained control of the session.
Najmul Shanto, in contrast, remained unbeaten on 56. Alongside Mushfiqur Rahim, he guided Bangladesh to 177/3 at Stumps. Therefore, with a 187-run lead and seven wickets in hand, the hosts are well placed.
📊 Day 4 Score Summary
| Team | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 495 & 177/3 (Shadman Islam 76, Shanto 56; Rathnayake 1-13)* |
| Sri Lanka | 485 (Pathum Nissanka 187, Kamindu Mendis 87; Nayeem Hasan 5-121) |
| Lead | Bangladesh lead by 187 runs |
🌟 Top Performers
- 🌀 Nayeem Hasan – 5/121 (Game-changing spell post-lunch)
- 🧢 Kamindu Mendis – 87 (Held SL innings together under pressure)
- 🏏 Shadman Islam – 76 (Anchored Bangladesh’s reply)
- 🎯 Najmul Hossain Shanto – 56* (Still unbeaten heading into Day 5)
