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DHAKA, June 20, 2025 (BSS)—Bangladesh regained the control of the first Test through a resolute batting before off-spinner Nayeem Hasan cracked the game open with a fifer on an eventful Day 4 at Galle International Cricket Stadium today.

Nayeem claimed 5-121, denying Sri Lanka a lead in the game after which batters, led by opener Shadman Islam and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto showed unflinching resolve to help Bangladesh reach 177-3 in its second innings at stumps.

Shanto was batting on 56, following his 148 in the first innings with veteran Mushfiqur Rahim on 22 as Bangladesh extended its lead to 187. 

With the pitch expecting to deteriorate on final day, Bangladesh looked the only team to win the game.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 485 in reply to Bangladesh’s 495 all out but they were seemingly heading toward a healthy lead with Kamindu Mendis batting  masterfully.

However, in the post lunch session, Nayeem Hasan put the brake on their innings to help Bangladesh take the lead and complete his fourth five-for in Test cricket.

Resuming the day on 368-4, Sri Lanka got a massive setback in the morning session when Bangladesh struck twice.

Nayeem Hasan spun one past Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva to get the better of him after he added just two runs to his overnight total of 17.

Hasan Mahmud then gave the side a double delight by moving one past Kusal Mendis admirably, a delivery that the batter edged behind for 5.
 
After taking those two wickets in just seven overs and 18 runs, Bangladesh appeared to be on top as Sri Lankan’s tail was exposed.

But Rathnayake showed well composure and gave Kamindu Mendis a handy support to deny Bangladesh further breakthrough.

A lead for Sri Lanka looked imminent but Hasan Mahmud got the breakthrough by rattling the stump Rathnayake for 39, ending a gritty 84-run partnership.

In the next over, Nayeem produced a beauty to remove Mendis for 87 after which Sri Lanka were able to survive just four overs before conceding the lead.

Mahmud ended with 3-74 while Taijul Islam and Mominul Haque took one wicket apiece.

Shadman then showed the composure needed to weather a Sri Lankan spin attack as the pitch finally started deteriorating to make batting tougher.

Left-arm Prabath Jayasuriya made the breakthrough by extending the agony of opener Anamul Haque Bijoy who was dismissed following a duck in the first innings.

Tharindu Rathnayake then got the better of Mominul Haque for 14 before Shadman and Shanto added 68-run to take back the baton. 

Rathnayake trapped Shadman leg-before for 76 but Shanto and Mushfiqur saw off the day to firmly put Bangladesh on top.