Liton’s dismissal the turning point'

Bangladesh batsman Liton Das’ dismissal in the second innings was the turning point in the second Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Dhaka, which ended in favour of the visitors, Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella said.

After Sri Lanka took a 141-run first innings lead, Bangladesh were reduced to 23-4 by the end of the fourth day’s play. The next morning, Bangladesh lost Mushfiqur Rahim early, leaving Bangladesh with half of their side down, and in the despair of innings defeat.

From there, Liton and Shakib Al Hasan, who both picked fifties, put together a 103-run stand to avoid the innings defeat and looked like they could save the Test for the Tigers.

But then, Asitha Fernando, adjudged player of the match for his 10-wicket haul, took a sharp reflex catch off his own bowling to dismiss Liton for 52. From there on, Bangladesh lost the last four wickets for just 13 runs and crumbled for 169, giving Sri Lanka a small target of 29, which they achieved in no time.

Dickwella believes that the catch from Asitha changed the whole complexion of the game.

“We had a calm dressing room. We knew we were just one wicket away from the tail-enders. We kept our nerves. I think Asitha came up with a brilliant catch (to dismiss Liton). It was the turning point,” he said after the match.