Bangladeshi batsmen dominated the opening day of the two day warm up game against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI which commenced today in Moratuwa.
The visitors made a strong statement on the tour as they amassed 391 runs in 90 overs with a run rate of over 4 runs per over. After being asked to bat first the visitors lost their opener Soumya Sarkar for 9 runs as 19 year-old speedster Lahiru Samarakoon got the early start for the home team. However the visitors put on 145 for the second wicket as they got hold of the game in the second session.
Stylish left-hander Tamim Iqbal stroked a magnificent 182 ball 136 that included 7 maximums and 9 boundaries and he was ably supported by Mominul Haque who anchored the innings with 73 runs off 103 deliveries.
Right-arm seamer Chamika Karunaratne got the better of skipper Mushfiqur Rahim for 21, while Shakib Al Hasan was trapped LBW by left-arm spinner Lasith Ambuldeniya for 30.
Energetic seamer Karunaratne came back strongly as he removed both Mahmudullah for a well-made 43 and Mehedi Hasan for only 1 run. He was the most successful bowler for the islanders as he had a long spell of 17 overs for three wickets.
22 year-old right-hander Liton Das made a quick-fire 57 as he remained unbeaten with Taijul Islam at the close of play on day one.
Match will continue tomorrow for the final day.
Brief scores
Bangladesh – 391/7 (90) Tamim Iqbal 136, Mominul Haque 73, Liton Das 57*, Mahmudullah 43, Shakib Al Hasan 30, Mushfiqur Rahim 21, Chamika Karunaratne 3/61.
