Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Day 5 Preview: Hosts eye victory, visitors draw

Visitors Bangladesh managed to survive Day Four without losing a single wicket against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle. Winning the match still seems to be a far-fetched dream for the Bangla Tigers while for the hosts, victory is 10 wickets away. With quality spinners like Rangana Herath, Lakshan Sandakan and Dilruwan Perera  on their side, Sri Lanka have the advantage currently. On the other hand, the positive start by Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar will provide Bangladesh with confidence to aim for a draw if not win. Bangladesh still need 390 runs to win, as they ended Day Four with 67 on the board without loss. Full Cricket Scorecard: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test at Galle

Bangladesh have earlier showed that they do have batsmen who can take up responsibility when there is a collapse in the batting order. Tamim and Sarkar had done well in the first innings as well but the middle-order, apart from skipper Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehedi Hasan, failed miserably. What Bangladesh should aim for is to score quick runs towards the morning, when the ball comes to the bat easily, and then survive the day when the pitch starts to produce a lot of turn, making it tough for the batsmen to bat. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Day 4: Visitors make positive start; hosts 10 wickets away from win

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Sarkar looked in a brilliant touch on Day Four and hit a few picturesque shots. However, Sri Lankan bowlers had produced chances which either fell short or were put down. For Sri Lanka to wrap up everything early and end on a winning note, the fielders will have to perform flawlessly. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Day 4: Highlights

Rain has been a constant interruption in the Test. On both Days Three and Four, play had to be called off early. If situations continue to be the same, it will be easier for Bangladesh as they will have to survive for a relatively lesser span. What will come handy for Bangladesh is their experience of playing on spinner-friendly tracks back at home.

Sri Lanka pacers have performed formidably so far and depending upon situation, Herath will have to use them wisely, preferably towards the morning. The skipper himself will be one of the key players.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 494 and 274 for 6 decl. (Upul Tharanga 115, Dinesh Chandimal 50*; Mehedi Hasan 2 for 77, Shakib Al Hasan 2 for 104) lead Bangladesh 312 and 67 for 0 (Tamim Iqbal 13*, Soumya Sarkar 53*; Suranga Lakmal 0 for 8) by 390 runs.