Sports Reporter :
A terrific century by Shakib Al Hasan powered Bangladesh to take control in the second Test after the Tigers piled up a mammoth total of 467 in the first innings against Sri Lanka on the third day at P Sara Oval in Colombo on Friday.
Shakib Al Hasan notched up a marvellous 116. His 159-ball innings was studded with 10 fours. Shakib reached his fifth Test hundred-using 143 balls with nine fours.
Earlier, Sri Lanka made 338 in their first innings on the second day (Thursday).
Later, the hosts scored 54 for the loss of none in the second innings before the bails were drawn for the third day. Bangladesh have now overall 75-run lead against the hosts.
The visitors were 214 for the loss of five wickets on the second day at stumps.
Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim resumed their first innings with the over night score of 18 and two runs respectively.
Later, They added together more 76 runs in the sixth wicket stand before Mushfiqur Rahim was bowled out by Suranga Lakmal when the team’s total was 290 for the loss of six wickets.
Mushfiqur Rahim hit a captain’s knock of 52. His 81-ball knock was ornamented with six fours. It was Mushfiqur Rahim’s 17th Test half century.
After Mushfiqur Rahim departure, Shakib Al Hasan and Mosaddek Hossain produced together 131 runs for the seventh wicket partnership before Shakib Al Hasan was caught at the mid-on by Dinesh Chandimal off Lakshan Sandakan when Bangladesh’s score was 421 for the loss of seven wickets.
After Shakib dismissal, Mosaddek Hossain and Mehedi Hasan Miraz contributed together 33 runs in the eight-wicket partnership before Miraz (24) was trapped leg before wicket by Rangana Herath when the team’s total was 454 for the loss of eight wickets.
Mosaddek Hossain made a superb 75. His sedate 155-ball innings was decorated with seven fours and two sixes. Mosaddek Hossain fulfilled his maiden Test half century playing 84 balls with six fours and a sixer.
After Miraz’s departure, Mustafizur Rahman arrived at the crease, but his innings was short-lived as he was trapped leg before wicket by Rangana Herath when the tourists’ score was 454 for the loss of nine wickets.
Then Mosaddek Hossain was stumped out by Niroshan Dickwella off Rangana Herath when Bangladesh’s first innings came to an end.
Rangana Herath was the day’s most successful bowler, who completed his spell as 34.1-6-82-4.
Dimuth Karunaratne and Upul Tharanga were on 25 each before the two umpires pocketed the bails for the third day.
