Rathanyake optimistic that SL can take lead despite Bangladesh’s 484
Sri Lanka’s Rathnayake remains confident his team can gain the upper hand despite Bangladesh’s strong 484-run first innings in the ongoing Test match
Sri Lankan pace bowler Milan Priyanath Rathnayake was confident that the hosts could amass a lead in their first innings in the first Test at Galle despite having their backs against the wall as Bangladesh posted 484 for 9 at the end of Day 2.
Bangladesh were riding high on the back of centuries from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim and a valuable 90 from Litton Das further added to their fortunes. At one stage, the tourists were cruising at 458 for 4 before three wickets from Rathnayake in quick succession changed the complexion of the game.
“This is only my fifth Test, and I’m very happy to contribute later in the day and it was a tough wicket to bowl on, but I thought we did a decent job, especially in the last hour,” Rathnayake said after the second day’s play.
“It’s still a good wicket to bat on. We hope to knock them off quickly tomorrow and then bat well. We have a very strong batting line-up and hopefully we’ll get a lead,” said Rathnayake.
Rathnayake added that they attempted to keep things tight after being pushed by the Bangladesh batting unit during the two century-plus stands.
“It was one of the flattest wickets we’ve seen in Galle,” said Rathnayake. “The task was to keep things tight even though wickets weren’t coming. I thought we did that quite well throughout the day,” he said.
“When they were building pressure and taking the attack to us, it was important to stay calm and show character. I thought after tea, we came back stronger to claim five wickets for not many,” he added.
Sri Lanka finds itself at a pivotal point in the opening Test of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27. Bangladesh’s formidable 484/9 in their first innings—as stumps fell on Day 2—would daunt many. Yet, Sri Lanka’s all-rounder Milan Rathnayake remains unflinchingly optimistic. His unwavering confidence could be the spark his team needs to turn the match in their favor.
Starting position: Bangladesh resumed Day 2 at 292/3 and extended their innings to 484/9 by stumps
Key contributors: A high-value partnership between Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto dismantled Sri Lankan bowling efforts
Pitch conditions: The Galle track is offering minimal swing and spin assistance, aiding Bangladesh’s batsmen .
Sri Lankan response: Late breakthroughs showcased potential, but fielding lapses and a lack of control prolonged Bangladesh’s upper hand
It places enormous scoreboard pressure on Sri Lanka.
It sets a high benchmark for the hosts’ bowlers to defend.
It forces Sri Lankan batsmen to aim high early in their innings.
- Belief in the bowling attack
“We’re ready,” Rathnayake says. He emphasizes faith in their pace and spin bowling to exploit the changing surface on Days 3 and 4. - Cape to win
Sri Lanka knows the Galle pitch deteriorates over time. Rathnayake highlights that Bangladesh’s scoring on a flat track was expected—but the pitch will crack soon. He’s rallying the attack for a spirited comeback. - Mind over matter
“We don’t fear 484,” was his tone. He believes with application, discipline, and mental resilience, Sri Lanka can step ahead even after conceding a big total.
This optimism stems from historical strength and home ground confidence. Sri Lanka have consistently performed well in Galle, never having lost a Test series to Bangladesh at home
ead-to-head record: In 26 Tests since 2001, Sri Lanka has won 20, Bangladesh just one, with 5 draws
Home dominance:
- Sri Lanka have never lost a Test series to Bangladesh.
- At Galle specifically: previous history shows a win and a draw in tests hosted there Sri Lanka’s mental upper hand is strengthened by past home performances.
- Bangladesh’s scoreboard exertion of 484, while monumental, needs to be tested against Sri Lanka’s home advantage.
- Sri Lanka’s response hinges on a blend of strategy, patient bowling, and disciplined batting.
- A. Bowling Strategy
- Pace first, spin later: As spinners tend to benefit more in the fourth inning at Galle, Sri Lanka may start with pace to unsettle early before turning to their renowned spin.
- Target pitch cracks: Persistence in testing cracks on Day 3 and beyond could yield wickets.
- Death over control: Containing Bangladesh’s tail will also be key to minimizing further runs.
- B. Batting Game Plan
- Top-order repair: Starting well and chipping away is essential. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka will lead this charge.
- Anchor innings: Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews (who may be playing his final Test in Sri Lanka) will need to provide solidity in the middle.
- Lower-order value add: Here Rathnayake could again shine, turning tail into a bonus.
- C. Fielding & Mindset
- Sharpening fielding: Late errors allowed Bangladesh to reach 484. No room for slips or dropped catches now.
- Mental resilience: Accepting a tough start but gearing for a comeback defines their next 72 hours.
- Milan Rathnayake, age 28, isn’t just another bowler-batter—he is quickly becoming a significant asset:
- All-round potential: His knack for crucial lower-order runs and disciplined medium-fast bowling offers Sri Lanka balance, especially on turns and when support is needed.
- Now, in a match defined by Bangladesh’s strong position, Rathnayake’s current optimism is rooted in past comebacks and belief in his own impact.
- Bangladesh tail: Sri Lanka aims to dismiss them quickly on Day 3—perhaps keeping the lead below 520.
- First innings approach: If they can score 300+ early and enforce pressure, the psychological tide shifts.
Middle-term: Day 5
- Chasing the match: Even saving this match is a win for Sri Lanka; a lead would set up a strong chance of victory.
- Series implications: This is the start of a two-Test series—setting momentum matters.
