Dananjaya claims five wickets in Sri Lanka’s win

Off-spinner Akila Dananjaya claimed five wickets in an innings on debutas Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 215 runs in the second Test to win thetwo-Test series 1-0 in Dhaka yesterday.Set a target of 339 runs, a collapse-prone Bangladesh were all out for123 in 29.3 overs in their second innings in the second session of thethird day, without offering much of a challenge.Dananjaya finished with 5-24 to take his match haul to eight wickets while experienced Rangana Herath claimed 4-49.Sri Lanka bowled out Bangladesh for 110 runs in the first innings totake a 112-run lead after they made 222 runs in their opening innings.“It was a really good series. The first Test was a nightmare for thebowlers and this one was a nightmare for batsmen,” said Sri Lankacaptain Dinesh Chandimal.“We executed all our plans and credit goes to the entire team. We feltthat this pitch could assist spinners, but we were a bit surprised atthe way it played.”Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad was dejected after the loss.“Feeling really disappointed. It was a result-oriented pitch and ourbatsmen let us down. We should have been more careful with the choice ofshots on this wicket. First innings became crucial,” he said. “Theirbowlers were very good, always kept us under pressure. We let them offthe hook at times.”The visitors’ victory was never in doubt after they posted 226 runs intheir second innings, resuming the third day’s play on 200-8. RoshenSilva remained unbeaten on 70, adding 48 runs with fellow overnightbatsman Suranga Lakmal for the ninth wicket to extend their lead on adifficult pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam bowled Lakmal for 21 to end thepartnership before he trapped Herath leg-before off the next ball towrap up the Sri Lanka innings.Taijul finished with 4-76 taking his tally to eight wickets in the matchbut Bangladesh were always in the back foot once they started theirsecond innings on a massively turning wicket. Sri Lanka began their victory push as Dilruwan Perera removed openerTamim Iqbal for two in just the second over of the innings. Herath gotrid of Imrul Kayes before the lunch break as wicketkeeper NiroshanDickwella took a catch, just a ball after he hit the left-arm spinnerfor a six. Herath added Mominul Haque (33) and Mushfiqur Rahim (25)after the lunch break before Dananjaya stepped on to the scene and didthe rest.