Sri Lanka strike late to keep visitors in check on Day Two after Dinesh's century puts hosts in command
Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal celebrates his ton against Bangladesh on Day Two of the second Test in Colombo yesterday. pics/AFP
Colombo: A century for Dinesh Chandimal and three late wickets in the space of seven deliveries helped put Sri Lanka in command on day two of the second Test against Bangladesh in Colombo, where the tourists trailed by 124 runs.
Resuming on 86 with the hosts at 238 for seven overnight, Chandimal chalked up his eighth Test hundred as Sir Lanka were eventually all out for 338. Bangladesh, who were playing their 100th Test match, lost opener Tamim Iqbal for 49 and Soumya Sarkar for 61 before three costly late wickets saw their progress checked to 214 for five at stumps.
Earlier, Bangladesh had hoped to mop up the Sri Lanka tail quickly once captain Rangana Herath had departed for 25 following a thick edge off Shakib Al Hasan to Soumya at first slip with the total at 250.
However, Suranga Lakmal, who finished with a battling 35, helped Chandimal bring up his century and provide some late resistance as Sri Lanka moved past 300. Eventually, Bangladesh had Chandimal dismissed just before lunch on 138 off 300 deliveries.
Sri Lankan spinner Lakshan Sandakan (centre) celebrates the fall of a Bangladesh wicket with teammates yesterday
In reply, Tamim and Soumya put on an opening 95-run partnership before Sri Lanka made the breakthrough just before tea when Tamim was trapped lbw by Herath just one run short of a half-century. Soumya was then bowled by Lakshan Sandakan, with Bangladesh at 130 for two.
Imrul Kayes, who suffered an injured toe, had added 34 when he went the same way in the 57th over as Sandakan struck him on the pads in front of off stump. Sandakan ended the day with three for 65 to help Sri Lanka wrestle back the advantage.
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