Top-order blitz takes Sri Lanka to 314-4 on first day

‘DROPPING CATCHES IS SOMETHING THAT’S GOING TO COST US’

Atop-order batting blitz took Sri Lanka to 3144 and left the tourists firmly in command on the opening day of the second and final Test against Bangladesh yesterday.

Kusal Mendis top-scored with 93 in Chittagong, while openers Dimuth Karunaratne (86) and Nishan Madushka (57) also helped power the innings.

“Of course we are happy,” Karunaratne said.

That’s a good score for day one. If we can put on a good total next day, we are in a commanding position,” he added.

Dinesh Chandimal was batting on 34 alongside skipper Dhananjaya de Silva on 15 at stumps.

Bangladesh struggled to make an impact after being asked to bowl, with Sri Lanka batting through the morning session without losing a wicket.

Madushka was run out attempting a double shortly after lunch but Karunaratne and Mendis drove the tourists forward with a 114-run stand.

Debutant Hasan Mahmud sent back Karunaratne, who chopped a delivery into the stumps before the tea break.

Karunaratne struck eight fours and a six in his 129-ball innings, surviving a run-out scare on 18 after a mix-up with Madushka while taking a single off Hasan.

He said the wicket in Chittagong had been flat in previous years.

“But this year you see there are some turn and seam with the new ball as well,” Karunaratne said.

“There are some advantages for the bowlers as well. So I think

it might turn later on, day three, four, five, maybe.”

Shakib Al Hasan denied Mendis his 10th Test century, forcing an edge to Mehidy Hasan at second slip.

Hasan picked up his second wicket when Mehidy caught Angelo Mathews (23) from the same spot in the first over after the second new ball.

Chandimal struck two sixes to move past his early shakiness before helping Sri Lanka pass the 300-run mark with a four off Hasan.

“We created chances in the morning, didn’t capitalise on that,” Bangladesh bowling coach Andre Adams said.

“It’s the same story as the first Test match. Dropping catches

is something that’s going to cost us.”

Sri Lanka lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the opening Test by a resounding 328 runs.

Veteran all-rounder Shakib returned for Bangladesh after a long Test absence.

Sri Lanka brought Asitha Fernando in for injured Kasun Rajitha in their only change to the squad from the opening Test.

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis plays a shot during the first day of the second Test against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday.