Chandimal lifts Sri Lanka after early setbacks

Dinesh Chandimal rode his luck to score an unbeaten half-century after Bangladesh made a dream start to its 100th Test, the second and final exchange against Sri Lanka at P Sara Oval in Colombo on Wednesday (March 15).

Sri Lanka reached 238 for 7 before bad light stopped the first day’s play after 83.1 overs, having recovered from 70 for 4 on a turning pitch mainly thanks to Chandimal's patient 86.

Chandimal shared a 66-run stand with Dhananjaya de Silva, who replaced Lahiru Kumara in the playing XI, and then added 44 and 43 runs with Niroshan Dickwella and Rangana Herath respectively to stop what had been a steady fall of wickets early on in the script.

Chandimal, who faced 210 balls and hit four fours, was given out lbw on 38 off Shakib Al Hasan, but the decision was overturned following a review. He then top-edged Taijul Islam for a catch to Mehedi Hasan at fine leg when on 46 but was given the benefit of the doubt by the third umpire as TV replays on whether the catch had been taken cleanly or not were inconclusive.

De Silva gave Chandimal good support before he was bowled by Taijul for 34. Dickwella then chipped in with 34 before Herath joined Chandimal. Herath, unbeaten on 18 at the close of play, also had his share of luck as he had an lbw decision off Shakib overturned.

Bangladesh, which lost the toss, had taken the early advantage as Mehedi struck twice with his offspin and Mustafizur Rahman and Subashis Roy, the fast bowlers, took one wicket apiece.

Mustafizur started things off when he forced an edge from Dimuth Karunaratne. Mehedi took a brilliant catch at gully as Karunaratne departed after making just seven runs.

Mehedi struck next, dragging Kusal Mendis out of his crease before Mushfiqur Rahim, back to keeping wickets in the absence of Liton Das, completed the stumping to send the batsman back for five.

Sri Lanka's troubles got worse when Upul Tharanga edged Mehedi to Soumya Sarkar at slip for 15. Chandimal and Asela Gunaratne tried to revive the innings but Roy struck on the stroke of lunch when he trapped Gunaratne lbw for 13.

Bangladesh, down 1-0 in the two-Test series, made four changes to its squad. Das was ruled out on the eve of the match with a rib fracture, allowing Mosaddek Hossain to earn his debut. Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah and Taskin Ahmed also made way for Imrul Kayes, Sabbir Rahman and Taijul.