Lions extend Tigers agony
Mendis misses double
ton by four runs
Syed Mohammed Pithu, Ctg
Bangladeshs sloppy fielding and lack of innovation let Sri Lank pile a host of misery on them and take the baton of the first Test on day three at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong. There was turn and bounce on offer for the spinners if not aplenty but Bangladesh bowlers yesterday failed to cash in, mainly because of their lack of smartness, which allowed the Lankan batsmen making merry. Resuming the day on 187 for one, the visitors finally reached 504 for three, cutting Bangladeshs lead to just 9 as the umpires called it a day.
With Roshen Silva and captain Dinesh Chandimal were batting with 87 and 37 run respectively, Sri Lanka certainly wouldnt like to bat for the second time, knowing that batting wont be easy on this track on the fifth day. On a sheer frustrating day, Bangladesh could claim just two wickets and the only consolation was to deny Kusal Mendis his maiden double century. Mendis was dismissed on 196, the second time in his career that he missed out a double century having previously being out on 194, also against Bangladesh in Galle last year. Dhananjaya de Silva also brought up his career best 173.
They combined for a 308-run partnership for the second wicket stand, after Sri Lanka lost Dimuth Karunaratne without any score on day two. Having dropped Mendis twice on 4 and 57 on day two, Bangladesh dug their own grave and perhaps threw away the match in the third over of the third day when
Mendis on overnight 83, edged Mustafizur Rahman but none of the wicket-keeper Liton Das and first slip fielder Imrul Kayes were ready to take the chance. It flew between the slip cordon to ensure Bangladeshs extended agony. Mendis never looked easy even in a placid deck until he reached his fourth century. But after reaching the three-figure mark, he was in total command. De Silva on the other hand was as flawless as he was on day two. Starting the day with 104, he looked well set to get his maiden ton until he played his first bad shot in the innings when he tried to pull a modest short delivery of Mustafizur Rahman and it turned out to be his last.
He smashed 21 fours and one six in his 229 ball-173.
Mendis then shared a 107-run partnership with Roshen Silva. As Mendis approached his maiden double an over before tea, he charged at left-arm spinner Taijul Islam and was caught close to midwicket by Mushfiqur Rahim. He smashed 22 fours and two sixes in his 196 off 327.
After the dismissal of Mendis, Bangladesh sensed an opportunity to peg back Sri Lankas innings with turn and bounce on offer. However captain Dinesh Chandimal batted sensibly with Roshen Silva to keep Bangladesh frustrated.
Mustafizur Rahman (1-88), Mehidi Hasan (1-97) and Taijul islam (1-144) picked up one wicket apiece.
SCOREBOARD
Bangladesh first innings: 513
Sri Lanka first innings (overnight 187-1)
D Karunaratne c Kayes b Mehedi 0
K Mendis c Mushfiqur b Taijul 196
D. De Silva c Liton b Mustafizur 173
R Silva not out 87
D Chandimal not out 37
Extras (b7, lb3, w1) 11
Total (three wickets; 138 overs) 504
Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-308, 3- 415.
To Bat: N Dickwella, D Perera, R Herath, S Lakmal, L Sandakan, L Kumara
BOWLING O M R W
Mustafizur 25 5 88 1
Sunzamul 37 2 128 0
Mehidi 19 0 97 1
Taijul 51 13 144 1
Mosaddek 3 0 24 0
Mominul 2 0 6 0
Mahmudullah 1 0 7 0
