Late wickets despite Bangladesh strong reply

Colombo: Bangladesh were 214-5 in their first innings at stumps on the second day of their second Test against Sri Lanka at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on Thursday.

Soumya Sarkar top-scored with 61 as the tourists made a strong start to their first innings before losing a flurry of wickets late in the day, leaving them still trailing the hosts by 124 runs.

Left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan claimed 3-65 runs after Dinesh Chandimal made 138 for Sri Lanka in their first innings total of 338 runs.

Chandimal gave Sri Lanka the cushion with his proficiency, ensuring that they moved quickly on the second morning.

Along with Herath, the duo batted for 30-odd minutes before Shakib Al Hasan had the Sri Lanka captain edging to slip for 25. Then, Suranga Lakmal continued the lower order's good work with 35, most of which came during his 33-run last-wicket stand with Lakshan Sandakan.

But it was during the Chandimal-Lakmal ninth-wicket stand that Sri Lanka truly regained control. The duo added 55 runs in quick time, thanks mainly to Chandimal, who opened up with big hits down the ground after notching up his eighth Test century.

He finished with ten fours and a six over square-leg off Mustafizur Rahman. Mehedi Hasan picked up three wickets, while Soumya Sarkar took four catches - a record for a Bangladesh fielder in a Test innings.

Brief scores
Sri Lanka - 338 (Chandimal 138, Mehedi 3-90)
Bangladesh - 214 for 5 (Sarkar 61, Sandakan 3-65)
Status - Bangladesh trail by 124 runs