Amid the Sylhet Test, Sri Lanka's cricket team showcased resilience and fortitude, salvaging their innings from the brink of collapse. Despite initially faltering at 57 for 5, the visitors clawed back, propelled by a remarkable partnership between skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis. The duo's defiant stand yielded a formidable 202-run alliance for the sixth wicket, reshaping the course of the match. Bangladesh's hopes for a swift conclusion were dashed as the Sri Lankan pair weathered numerous attempts to break their partnership. The pendulum swung with Nahid Rana's introduction, the debutant pacer making a decisive impact by dismissing both centurions. Kamindu succumbed to a well-directed back-of-length delivery, edging it to wicketkeeper Litton Das, while Dhananjaya's resistance was halted by a catch at square leg off a short ball. Both batsmen departed after scoring identical 102 runs each, shifting momentum back towards Bangladesh. Sri Lanka concluded their innings at 280 runs, a testament to their recovery from a precarious position. However, they might rue missed opportunities, considering their earlier promise at 259 for 5. Noteworthy performances from Bangladesh's Khaled Ahmed and Nahid Rana, claiming three wickets each, alongside contributions from Shoriful Islam and Taijul Islam, highlighted the hosts' efforts. Furthermore, two dismissals stemming from run-outs underscored Bangladesh's collective determination in the field. As the Test match progresses, both teams will seek to capitalize on their respective strengths and address their vulnerabilities in pursuit of victory.
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