The complexion of the first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka began to change in the last delivery of the fourth day yesterday when Taijul Islam castled nightwatchman Lasith Embuldenya through the gap between bat and pad. The ball turned viciously from outside off stump and was the precursor for what might happen on the fifth and final day in Chattogram today.

While Taijul was not always turning the ball viciously, he was instrumental to the Tigers' cause throughout Sri Lanka's second innings so far. Resuming the day on 39 for two, Sri Lanka's intent was clear as the visitors wanted to throw Bangladesh off their game. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne looked solid while Kusal Mendis, at the other end, started upping the tempo with some fantastic strokes.

Mendis' three back-to-back boundaries off Khaled Ahmed showed Lankans' intent. Karunaratne was going to be the solid foundation while others look to stretch the lead. Khaled went for 23 in three overs and when Nayeem was introduced, he conceded 15 in two overs leading to both being taken out of attack. 

Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul started looking to turn the screws and following a few tight overs after the flourishing morning start, Taijul bowled perhaps the ball of the match.

Mendis, who was taking the game away having assailed Bangladesh's lead, saw Taijul's delivery come in at an angle with a deceptive loop in it. Having gone forward, he still could not make it to the pitch of the delivery and his best bet was to cover the line of the delivery, hanging his bat at it. Taijul's delivery landed and beat the bat just enough to crash onto Mendis's off stump as the Tigers broke the 67-run third-wicket stand.

Mendis departed for a 43-ball 48 but with more batting to come, Lankans might have felt they can continue in the same mold but Taijul and Shakib build up the pressure from then on. When only four runs came in the next four overs, Angelo Matthews tried to force the issue after 14 dot balls without getting any runs to his name. He then whacked one straight to Taijul to depart for a duck. 

Sri Lanka went to lunch at 128 for four but Taijul-Shakib duo were at it again after lunch. Karunaratne notched his 28th Test fifty after Lunch and Sri Lanka might have been hoping for an easier second session. Despite being able to keep out Taijul and Shakib's more dangerous looking deliveries, Karunaratne perished trying to work away Taijul towards mid-on, hoping to clear Mominul Haque positioned for that shot. Mominul took a brilliant catch as Karunaratne's innings ended after a 138-ball 52, laced with two fours.

Dhananjaya de Silva looked good after lunch but then only managed to put a long hop from Shakib straight to Mushfiqur Rahim at mid-on. Sri Lanka are 205 for six after 73 overs, their lead now 137 runs. They may now look to pick up the scoring-rate as lead stretches past 150. On the other hand, Tigers will be looking to get the Lankans out within as little runs as possible, in order to give themselves the slimmest of chances to pick off the required runs in the third session.

On the other hand, the Lankans could also give the Tigers a run for their money in the third session by putting them into bat. A tantalising balance as the third session approaches with every ball, every run and every moment taking on more importance.

However, with all possibilities considered, a draw remains the most likely result.