Rain disrupted play on the final day of the Galle Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, just as Najmul Hossain Shanto approached a second century in the match, and the match is on the edge toward a draw.
At lunch of the fifth day, Bangladesh were 237 for 3 in their second innings, leading by 247 runs. Shanto, who struck a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 89.
Galle Test: Bangladesh securing a big Lead with Shadman, Najmul hit fifties
His 100-run stand with Mushfiqur Rahim was a highlight of the morning before Mushfiqur fell for 49.
Both batters had scored hundreds in the first innings, laying the foundation for Bangladesh’s 495-run total.
Sri Lanka responded with 485, with opener Pathum Nissanka hitting 187. For Bangladesh, off-spinner Nayeem Hasan claimed his first five-wicket haul in an away Test.
As the fifth day progressed, persistent showers forced the players off the field just before lunch, with a soaked outfield and grey skies delaying any potential restart. Covers were briefly peeled off in the afternoon, but hopes of further play remain slim.
With Bangladesh still batting into the second session, the match is headed towards a draw unless a dramatic collapse or declaration changes the script.