Test cricket returned after nearly two months, with Bangladesh, fresh off their tour of South Africa, hosting Sri Lanka, in Chattogram. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat, with the pitch expected to deteriorate later in the match.
They had a disappointing start when Nayeem Hasan trapped Dimuth Karunaratne leg-before in the eighth over for just nine. Oshada Fernando and Kusal Mendis added 43 for the second wicket until Nayeem struck again, having Fernando caught behind for 36, including a six.
Mendis and former captain Angelo Mathews took Sri Lanka to lunch, adding 92. However, Taijul Islam had Mendis shortly after resumption, caught by Nayeem for 54. Shakib Al Hasan then had Dhananjaya de Silva caught by Mahmudul Hasan Joy for six. However, Mathews took Sri Lanka past 200 in the company of Dinesh Chandimal.
Chandimal was initially content just to pay his way in, but two sixes proved his willingness to attack the bad ball. Meanwhile, Mathews continued to move closer to what would be his 12th century in Test cricket. He eventually got there with a boundary off Shoriful Islam.
It was important for Sri Lanka for the two to stay together until stumps. They accomplished the mission, as Sri Lanka closed the day on 258/4, with their stand for the fifth wicket worth 75 so far. Mathews will resume in the morning on 114 and Chandimal on 34. On the balance of play, the day definitely belonged to Sri Lanka.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 258/4 (Angelo Mathews 114*; Nayeem Hasan 2-71) vs Bangladesh.