Can the Tigers solve second-innings puzzle?

Bangladesh are in a similar territory of saving a Test match after Sri Lanka piled on a massive 713 for nine wickets in response to the home side's total of 513 in the opening Test at Chittagong. And it will be a big test for them to survive the final four sessions of a Test match when they come out to bat for a second time.

Although the wicket still holds firm apart from those roughs created by footmarks, the biggest concern for the home fans is the inability of the Tigers to bat well in the second innings. It has been in so many occasions that Bangladesh crumbled under self-inflicted pressure in their second innings after stupendous performance in their first essay.

In the last nine Tests Bangladesh played at home and away, the only instance where they could score more runs in their second innings was in Potchefstroom against South Africa – 172 in the second innings  compared to 147 in the first innings and they lost by 254 run. Even in two magnificent victories at Colombo against Sri Lanka and at Dhaka against Australia, in those nine Tests Bangladesh fared badly in their second essay.

So, when they come out to bat with a first innings deficit of 200 runs against the Lankans after the Tea break today, they will have to prove a point if they are to save the game at Chittagong. The biggest obstacle they need to overcome is their self-destructive mindset rather than the wary wicket, which is still to offer any considerable turn and bounce to assist the spinners. Sri Lanka's wily left-arm spinner Rangana Herath will definitely bowl most of the overs alongside an accurate right-arm pace bowler Suranga Lakmal and slow left-arm chinaman Lakshn Sandakan.

But for Bangladesh, who have shown marked improvement over the last three years across all formats, this is about time they solve the second innings puzzle. And it only requires steely resolve from Tamim Iqbal to Mahmudullah Riyad.

BANGLADESH'S LAST NINE TESTS:

1st innings            2nd innings                 Against                             Venue                                  Result

595                         160                         New Zealand                     Welington                           Lose by 7 wkts

289                         173                         New Zealand                     Christchurch                       Lose by 9 wickets

388                         250                         India                                      Hyderabad                      Lose by 208 runs

312                         197                         Sri Lanka                              Galle                                 Lose by 259 runs

467                         191-6                     Sri Lanka                              Colombo                           Win by 4 wickets

260                         221                         Australia                              Dhaka                                Win by 20 runs

305                         157                         Australia                              Chittagong                         Lose by 7 wickets

320                         90                           South Africa                       Potchefstroom                      Lose by 333 runs

147                         172                         South Africa                       Bloemfontein                        Lose by innings & 254 runs