2nd Test Day-1 Highlights:
Kusal Mendis and Dimuth Karunaratne lead a productive batting day for Sri Lanka on Day-1
Sri Lanka scored 314/4 (1st Innings) at the stumps of Day-1:
Sri Lanka’s impressive performance with the bat on Day 1 of the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram was highlighted by six double-digit scores, including three fifty-plus innings, and three fifty-plus partnerships, two of which exceeded 90 runs, with one even reaching a century stand.
Choosing to bat at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Saturday (March 30), Sri Lanka reached a commanding position, finishing the day at 314/4.
The foundation for Sri Lanka’s strong start was laid by an opening partnership of 96 runs between Nishan Madushka and Dimuth Karunaratne.
The duo batted patiently for more than 28 overs, frustrating Bangladesh’s bowlers who were hoping for early breakthroughs.
Despite Bangladesh’s early introduction of Shakib Al Hasan into the attack in the seventh over, they failed to make an impact as Sri Lanka went unscathed in the opening session, aided by missed chances in the field by Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s first breakthrough came in the second over after the break when Madushka was run out for 57.
However, Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis continued to build on the momentum, adding 114 runs for the second wicket.
While Karunaratne scored briskly, Mendis kept the scoreboard ticking with regular boundaries and quick singles.
Karunaratne fell short of a century, dismissed for 86 after dragging a Hasan Mahmud delivery onto his stumps just before Tea, providing Bangladesh with some respite.
Sri Lanka, having already surpassed the 200-run mark by the end of the second session, maintained their positive intent with Mendis and Angelo Mathews at the crease.
Mendis was particularly aggressive, hitting three fours in an over off Mahmud, while Mathews showcased his power with a six off Taijul Islam.
However, Mendis fell agonizingly short of a century, dismissed for 93 after edging a delivery from Shakib to the slip fielder.
Mathews followed suit a few overs later, falling to Mahmud.
Nonetheless, Dinesh Chandimal’s unbeaten 34 and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva’s 15 not out ensured that Sri Lanka ended the day without any further setbacks, consolidating their position of strength.
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