Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh fought back making 318 for the loss of three wickets against Sri Lanka on the third day play of the first Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Tuesday.
Earlier, Sri Lanka piled up a mammoth total of 397 in their first innings on the second day (Monday). Bangladesh trailed just 79 runs in the first innings.
Bangladesh resumed their first innings with the over-night score of 76 for the loss of none.
Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudul Hasan Joy resumed their first innings with their over-night score of 35 and 31 runs respectively.
Then, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudul Hasan Joy contributed more 86 runs on the third day play before Mahmudul Hasan Joy was caught behind by wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella off Asitha Fernando when Bangladesh’s score was 162.
Tamim Iqbal notched up a magnificent 133.Tamim hit 15 fours in his 217-ball innings. It was Tamim’s 10th century in Test cricket. Tamim reached his 100-run landmark playing 162 balls including 12 fours.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy knocked a sedate 58. His 142-ball innings saw nine fours. It was Joy’s second half-century in Test cricket.
After Joy’s dismissal, Najmul Hossain Shanto came at the crease but he could stay at the crease for a short period as he (1) was caught behind by wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella off Kusan Rajitha when the hosts’ total was 172 for the loss of two wickets.
After Shanto’s departure, skipper Mominul Haque arrived at the pitch but his he could not stay at the crease for a long time as he (2) was bowled out by Rajitha when the home side’s score was 184 for the loss of three wickets.
After Mominul’s dismissal, Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim contributed 36 runs before Tamim Iqbal returned to the pavilion as he was retired hurt when Bangladesh’s score was 220 for the loss of three wickets.
Then, Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das put on together 98 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket partnership before the bails were drawn for the third day.
Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten with 53. His 134-ball innings had two fours. It was Mushfiq’s 26th half-century in Test cricket.
Litton Das remained unbeaten with 54. His 113-ball knock was belted with eight fours. It was Litton’s 12th fifty in Test cricket.
Kusan Rajitha bagged two wickets at the cost of 17 runs, while Asitha Fernando took one wicket for 55 runs.
