Tigers take the lead over Sri Lanka thanks to Nayeem Fifer.
Sri Lanka was dismissed for 485 in the post-lunch session on Friday, the fourth day of the first Test in Galle, as Bangladesh's off-spinner Nayeem Hasan claimed five wickets to stop their first-innings surge.
Hasan Mahmud, who finished with 3-74, provided strong support for Nayeem, who took 5-121, giving the visitors a 10-run lead after they had scored 495 in the first innings.
The hosts appeared to be in control at the end of day three, and Nayeem took full advantage of the conditions when the pitch finally offered turn and bounce.
After reaching 465-6 after the first session of the fourth day, with Milan Rathnayake and Kamindu Mendis stitching a gritty 84-run partnership for the seventh wicket, Sri Lanka appeared poised for a significant advantage.
However, following lunch, the hosts' lower-order breakdown caused them to lose momentum.
The breakthrough occurred when Mahmud's delivery, which slipped through off an inside edge, undid Rathnayake, who had displayed admirable tenacity for his 39.
The ball kicked off the surface and caught the left-hander off guard, and Kamindu fell to Nayeem's off-spin in the following over.
With a quick off-break that sailed through the gate, Nayeem dismissed rookie Tharindu Rathnayake for naught, and Sri Lanka's bottom order collapsed in the following overs.
Three wickets were lost for a single run in ten deliveries, bringing the hosts down to 471-9. Asitha Fernando (4) was also dismissed by Nayeem to end Sri Lanka's innings.
Sri Lanka's spinners will enter the game early due to the deteriorating pitch, but even a low Bangladeshi total might make it difficult for the hosts to reach in the fourth innings.
The last time these two teams drew at the Galle cricket ground was in 2013, which was more than ten years ago.
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