Sri Lanka Crushes Bangladesh in Colombo Test, Jayasuriya's Spin Seals Series Win

Prabath Jayasuriya's exceptional spin bowling led Sri Lanka to a decisive innings-and-78-run victory over Bangladesh in the second Test match, securing a 1-0 series win.

Prabath Jayasuriya claimed his 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket (AFP Photo)

Resuming day four at a shaky 115 for six, still trailing by 97 runs, Bangladesh faced a daunting task. However, Sri Lanka swiftly dismantled any hopes of a comeback.

Jayasuriya, who remained wicketless in the first innings, made an immediate impact, dismissing Litton Das for 14 early in the session. Das edged the ball behind to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis. This crucial wicket triggered a rapid collapse, with the remaining batsmen falling quickly, handing Sri Lanka a dominant victory before the lunch break.

This comprehensive win not only secured the series but also added valuable World Test Championship points to Sri Lanka's standings.

Attention now turns to the limited-overs segment of the tour, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is.

The Colombo victory stood in stark contrast to the drawn first Test in Galle on June 21, where Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored centuries in both innings. However, the visitors failed to replicate that performance in the second match, with no batsman reaching a half-century in either innings.

After winning the toss on a favorable batting surface, Bangladesh failed to capitalize, being bowled out for 247 in their first innings. Sri Lanka responded strongly with 458, establishing a significant 211-run lead.

Opener Pathum Nissanka played a pivotal role, anchoring the innings with a fluent 158, his second century of the series. Dinesh Chandimal contributed a steady 93. Their 194-run partnership for the second wicket formed the backbone of Sri Lanka's dominance.

Although Bangladesh briefly fought back, claiming three quick wickets after the second new ball was introduced, Kusal Mendis stabilized the innings with an aggressive 84, ensuring the home side maintained control.

Overall, it was a clinical performance by Sri Lanka, who outplayed Bangladesh in all aspects of the game, securing a resounding series win on their home ground.