FBD Desk:

Suddenly the seemingly dead wicket of Pallekale erupted after tea on day three. Ball started gripping and turning sharply. From a comfortable position of 214/4 Bangladesh crashed to 251 all out losing 7 wickets for 37 runs. Debutant left arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama taking 6 wickets for 92 runs turned the match upside down. Bangladesh teased and tormented could take two wickets of Sri Lanka in 7 overs left on the day for 17 runs. Sri Lanka assumed total control of the match taking 259 runs lead with 8 wickets remaining to build on. 350 runs on this wicket will be talk ask for Bangladesh to chase. This wicket will further deteriorate. Bangladesh batting lacks quality and depth. Tamim, Moninul and Mushfique would have bat long big innings whenever Sri Lanka choose to declare setting a target for Bangladesh.

Only few days back another wicket on the same ground stayed for over five days leading to a high scoring draw. Judging the proceedings of the first two days many predicted a high scoring draw again. Who could predict that such a wicket would change character so drastically? Bangladesh batsman is believed to negotiate spin well like other South Asian teams. After Tamim (92), Mominul (49) and Mushfique (40) were managing well managing well.

But once the wicket started turning rookie spinner Jayawickrama exploiting the turn and bounce exceedingly well destroyed Bangladesh late order and the tail. Bangladesh getting all out 251 conceded 242 runs first innings lead. Bangladesh could do better if one of three senior batsmen could stay till the end and did the sheet anchor role.

Sri Lanka opted to bat again and in 7 overs left of the day scored 17/2. Wicket looks spinners paradise. If hosts setting a target of 350 by lunch Bangladesh would struggle saving the match on wearing wicket   against three spinners. Bangladesh can draw example of commitment from Sri Lankan top order how Karunaratne, Thirimanne, Fernando batted in the first innings. But the task would be extremely difficult. Sri Lanka is firm favourite to win the match.