The Bangladesh batsmen were desperate to prove the fear that had been building at the end of the third day, true on the morning of the fourth day. Bangladesh could only survive 34 balls on the fourth day. Bangladesh lost by an innings and 78 runs after failing to bat in two innings. After the Galle Test ended in a draw, hosts Sri Lanka won the series in Colombo.

The fate of the Colombo Test was largely decided by the end of the third day yesterday (Friday). Bangladesh, who had dominated the Galle Test with the bat, fell flat on their face in Colombo. Bangladesh were on the verge of losing by an innings at the end of the third day's play due to a batting failure.

Bangladesh, trailing by 211 runs in the first innings, scored 115 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their second innings at the end of the third day yesterday. The visitors were still trailing by 96 runs with 4 wickets in hand. Bangladesh had to do the impossible to avoid losing by an innings.

The only hope was Liton Das. He was also the last recognized batter. However, he returned after playing only four balls that day. In the 40th over, Prabath Jayasuriya's ball touched the edge of Liton's bat and landed in the gloves of wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis. Liton returned to the dressing room after scoring 14 runs off 43 balls. After that, it seemed like everything was over in an instant. Naeem, Taijul and Ebadat departed one by one. Everyone seemed to follow the path shown by the top order. Bangladesh's innings collapsed like a house of cards.

Earlier, Bangladesh could not score more than 247 runs after winning the toss at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground in Colombo. In reply, the hosts scored a big score of 458 runs, riding on Pathum Nishanka's innings of 158 runs.

Bangladesh, trailing by 211 runs, could not turn around in the second innings. Batting in their second innings, they suffered from the beginning. Enamul Haque Bijoy failed in both innings in Galle. Nevertheless, the team management gave this opener another chance in Colombo. However, this time too, he could not break the cycle of failure.

Vijay struggled with himself with the new ball to open the innings. This time, he changed his batting style and tried to bat in a more ODI style. Although he got a few boundaries, he did not regain his confidence. Vijay returned for 19 runs and broke the opening partnership of 31 runs.

Another opener, Sadman, returned after 3 balls of victory. He added 12 runs from his bat. Mominul Haque, who got out for three, was also unsuccessful. This experienced batsman could not score more than 15 runs. After the top order failure, the middle order batsmen could not lead the way despite showing hope. Shanto and Mushfiqur settled down on the wicket and gave away wickets. Shanto scored 19 runs off 48 balls. Mushfiqur scored 26 off 53 balls. Mehedi Hasan Miraj also returned to the dressing room after making 11 runs.

Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya crushed Bangladesh in the second innings. He took five wickets alone. After the Test series, the team is now waiting to enter the ODI series. The first of the three-match series will be held next Wednesday at the same ground in Colombo.

Short score:

Bangladesh 1st innings: 247

Sri Lanka 1st innings: 458

Bangladesh 2nd innings: (Previous day 117/6) 133 in 44.2 overs (Liton 14, Naeem 5, Taijul 6, Ebadat 6, Nahid 0*; Asitha 8-1-22-1, Vishwa 6-3-16-0, Jayasuriya 18-2-56-5, Dhananjaya 4-1-13-2, Dinusha 3-1-7-0, Ratnayake 5.2-0-19-2)

Result: Sri Lanka won by an innings and 78 runs.

Man of the Match: Pathum Nishanka (Sri Lanka).

Man of the Series: Pathum Nishanka (Sri Lanka).