Herath's six-fer helps Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh in Galle Test

Galle [Sri Lanka], Mar. 11 (ANI): Sir Lanka captain Rangana Herath on Saturday led from the front and took a six-wicket haul to hand over his side an emphatic 259-run win over Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series here at Galle Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 497, Bangladesh were bundled out for 179 in their second innings which lasted for mere 45 overs. With figures of 6/59, the Sri Lankan skipper ripped through the Bangladesh middle order and ensured the visitors don't have any chance of crossing the line. The entire Day Five was dominated by the hosts, except for the time when Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rehman (34) and Liton Das (35) held on to the crease and raised hopes for a draw. But as soon as their wicket fell before lunch, the match just headed towards Sri Lanka's victory. The stand out performer for Bangladesh was opener Soumya Sarkar who scored a gritting half century and tackled the Sri Lankan bowlers, especially their spinners. 22-year-old Kusal Mendis, who played a blistering knock of 194 in the first innings, was adjudged Man of the Match. Herath, meanwhile, became the most successful left-arm spinner with 363 wickets in Tests. This was also Sri Lanka's 17th Test win at Galle. The two teams will now face each other in the last Test in Colombo, starting March 15. (ANI)