Bangladesh endured a difficult second day of the first Test in Galle, spending a tricky time in the field before batting to 135 for two at stumps, still 435 runs behind the Sri Lankan first innings score.
Sri Lanka recorded a mammoth score of 570 for four before declaring in the afternoon, with Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal recording superb centuries. Both batsmen were unbeaten at the declaration just after drinks in the second session.
Chandimal made his maiden Test ton and ended on 116 off 155 balls. Thirimanne was on 155, having gone at more sedate pace. Thirimanne began the day on 74, but reached the lunch break on 113 not out, while Chandimal batted well alongside him. The Tigers took only one wicket in the morning session.
Angelo Mathews was the lone wicket to tumble on the day for the hosts, scoring 27 before being caught and bowled by Abul Hasan. From lunch on out, Chandimal put his foot on the gas and made sure to get his century quickly, after the first part of his knock was more cautious.
Young spinner Sohag Gazi was the pick of the Tigers’ bowlers, taking three of the four wickets, and sending down a massive 50 overs for 164 runs. He was the only bowler to go at less than four to the over.
The wicket continued to dish out the runs, though the Tigers were more giving with their wickets. Jahurul Islam was the first to fall, caught behind by Chandimal off Shaminda Eranga for 20.
Anamul Haque tried valiantly to stick around, using up 68 balls for his 13 runs, but his effort came to an end in the 24th over, bowled by Ajantha Mendis with the score on 65. Mendis was expensive though, going at nearly six to the over.
This left Ashraful and Monimul to continue the chase, in the evening, and the all-rounder displayed his often under-used talent with a neat half century, striking seven boundaries while his partner reached 35 at stumps.
