Sri Lanka off to good start replying to Bangladesh’s 513

Visiting Sri Lanka made a strong start in their first innings, posting 187 runs for the loss of just one wicket in reply to Bangladesh’s total of 513 during day two of their first Test match of the Rocket series at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium Thursday in the port city. Sri Lanka’s No 3 batsman Dhananjaya de Silva struck a superb hundred as the right-hander remained unbeaten on 104 off just 127 balls with 15 boundaries. Opener Kusal Mendis is the other not out batsman with 83 runs behind his name. Bangladesh off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz provided the perfect start as the Lankans lost their first wicket without a run on the board. Opener Dimuth Karunaratne was caught at first slip in the third over. But later, Mendis and De Silva batted beautifully to frustrate the Bangladesh bowlers for the remaining 45 overs. These two also scored quick runs as the visitor eventually posted 187 within just 48 overs at stumps. Mendis gave two chances during his 83-run knock but Miraz dropped his catch at second slip while he was batting on four and Imrul Kayes grassed the other at first slip while he was on 64. Earlier, Sri Lanka were off to a perfect start as they got the wicket of overnight centurion Mominul Haque in the third over of day two’s play. Veteran spinner Rangana Herath took the important wicket of Mominul. Mominul was out for 176 off 214 balls with 16 boundaries and a sixer. Later, Herath also removed youngster Mosaddek Hossain.

Stumps, Day 2. #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/SJdKNh8J3v

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) February 1, 2018

The next batsman to get out was Miraz (20) who got run out while taking three runs. Bangladesh eventually made 513 losing all of their wickets. Skipper Mahmudullah formed two important partnerships with the tail-enders to help the Tigers cross 500. Mahmudullah formed a 58-run partnership with No 9 batsman Sanjamul Islam for the eighth wicket and added 35 with No 11 batsman Mustafizur Rahman for the last wicket. Mahmudullah was not out on 83 off 134 balls with seven fours and two sixes. Paceman Suranga Lakmal was the best bowler for the Lankans with figure of three for 68 while the experienced Herath also took three, conceding 150 runs. Day three will be interesting for both the teams as the pitch is offering slight turn, as was evident in the last hour of day two. So Bangladesh will try to pick at least three-four wickets early on day three to put pressure on the Lankans and take a first-innings lead.

Congratulations to @MominulHaque68 and @Mahmudullah30 for reaching 2000 runs milestone respectively during the first innings of ongoing Test against Sri Lanka.#BANvSL pic.twitter.com/nzEgrdzZYa

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) February 1, 2018

BRIEF SCORESri Lanka 187/1 in 48 overs (De Silva 104*, Mendis 83*) trail Bangladesh 513 in 129.5 overs (Mominul 176, Mushfiq 92) by 326 runs