Tough task ahead for Bangladesh A

Sri Lanka A held the advantage going into the final day of the second four-day match against Bangladesh A at the Colombo Cricket Club. Chasing a target of 341, Bangladesh A finished on 16 for no loss at stumps, 325 runs away from victory.

Bangladesh A resumed on the third day on 201 for 7, trailing by 194 runs. Rangana Herath, the left-arm spinner, ran through the tail to restrict Bangladesh A to 239 and give Sri Lanka A by 156 runs. Herath finished with impressive figures of 5 for 45 in 25.2 overs.

Sri Lanka A sought to build on their lead and their openers, Kanchana Gunawardene and Mahela Udawatte, gave them a solid start by adding 86 for the first wicket. Udawatte added 43 and Gunawardene 51 before Mosharraf Hossain dismissed both of them in quick succession. Hossain checked Sri Lanka A's momentum by taking wickets at regular intervals. None of their middle-order batsmen, with the exception of Jehan Mubarak who was unbeaten on 51, got going and Sri Lanka A declared on 184 for 6. Hossain ended with 5 for 69 in 27 overs.

Chasing 341 is a daunting task but Bangladesh A managed to reach stumps on 16 for no loss and gave themselves a strong chance of drawing the game.