Sri Lanka enjoyed yet another good outing in the first Test against Bangladesh at Galle as they took a lead of 182 in the first innings after bowling Bangladesh out for 312 at the end of a rain-hit third day. For the visitors, skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (85) stood out with the bat with a fighting knock, patiently wearing down the Lankan spinners before launching into them.
Bangladesh’s middle-order collapsed in the first session after the well-set Soumya Sarkar (71) was dismissed by Suranga Lakmal. Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah and Liton Das fell in quick succession. Just when the Sri Lankan spinners threatened to dismiss Bangladesh out cheaply, Rahim built a solid 106-run stand for the seventh wicket with rookie Mehdi Hasan (41).
Rahim counterattacked Rangana Herath expertly, even smashing him down the ground for a six. The Sri Lankan skipper, though, got his revenge later when he bowled his opposite number. The day drew to a close with Herath picking up the wicket of Mustafizur Rahman. There is forecast of rain for the next two days.
Brief score:
- Sri Lanka 494 (Kusal Mendis 194, Asela Gunaratne 85, Niroshan Dickwella 75, Mehedi Hasan 4/113) lead Bangladesh 312 (Mustafizur Rahman 85, Soumya Sarkar 71; Dilruwan Perera 3/53, Rangana Herath 3/72) by 182 runs.
