Bangladesh played their 100th Test match against Sri Lanka from March 15-19, 2007, at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo. This was the final Test in a two-match series. The Bangla Tigers had drawn a Tour match against Sri Lanka Cricket President’s XI ahead of the Test series.
In the first Test, which was played at the Galle International Stadium in Galle, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first. Kusal Mendis scored a magnificent 194 off 285 deliveries, while Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, and Dilruwan Perera also scored half-centuries. The home side posted a mammoth 494 in the first innings.
In reply, Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar got the tourists off to a solid start, adding a 118-run partnership. However, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, and Litton Das departed cheaply. Mushfiqur Rahim (85) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (41) played gritty knocks to help Bangladesh avoid the follow-on. They were eventually bowled out for 312.
In their second innings, Sri Lanka batted with intent, as Upul Tharanga scored 115 off 171 balls. Dinesh Chandimal also hit an unbeaten half-century as Sri Lanka declared at 274/6 in 69 overs. Bangladesh were set an improbable target of 457 to chase down in the fourth innings. The visitors were bowled out for just 197 as Soumya Sarkar’s half-century went in vain.
Bangladesh had their backs against the wall heading into the second Test. They lost the toss once again and Sri Lanka elected to bat first. Dinesh Chandimal’s 138 paved the way for Sri Lanka to post 338. Mehidy was the pick of the bowlers as he bagged a three-for.
In reply, Bangladesh put on a solid batting display. Shakib Al Hasan was exemplary during his 116-run knock off 159 balls. Skipper Mushfiqur notched up a half-century, and so did young Mosaddek Hossain as Bangladesh finished on a commanding total of 467, taking a decisive lead of 129 runs.
Sri Lanka had to put up a solid batting display in the second innings as Dimuth Karunaratne scored a determined 126, while Dilruwan Perera and Suranga Lakmal made important contributions. However, it was not enough for Sri Lanka to set up a competitive target. After his batting heroics, Shakib showed his class with the ball, as he picked up a four-for.
Bangladesh needed 191 runs in the fourth innings to win their first Test against the Lankan Lions. Tamim Iqbal scored a crucial 82 at the top of the order, while Sabbir Rahman contributed with 41 runs. In the end, it was Rahim and Mehidy who took their team to victory in 57.5 overs with four wickets to spare.
This was Bangladesh’s fourth Test win away from home. Tamim was named Player of the Match, while Shakib won the Player of the Series award.
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