Angelo Mathews's crafty unbeaten 114 put Sri Lanka in a strong position at the end of the opening day of the first Test match against Bangladesh, at Chattogram on Sunday.
Sri Lanka were 258/4 at stumps on Day 1 with Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal (34) at the crease. Though the day was mostly dominated by Sri Lankan batters, spinners Nayeem Hasan (2-71), Shakib Al Hasan (1-27) and Taijul Islam (1-73) ensured that Bangladesh had something to work with going into the second day. On Day 2, their first job will be to get rid of Mathews, who will resume his innings on 114.
Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando blunted the Bangladesh pacers in their opening burst. With the pacers not getting much zip, the onus will once again be on the spinners. Nayeem Hasan did a great job on Day 1, getting a crucial wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne, but Taijul Islam has not looked threatening so far.
Shakib has bowled brilliantly, holding one end up by with a tight line and length. His brilliant work almost brought success to Taijul, when Mathews was adjudged caught behind. But Mathews reviewed the call to overturn the decision. The tea break brought respite for Bangladesh when Taijul broke the 92-run partnership between Mathews and Kusal Mendis by removing the latter off the first ball of the third session.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Day 2 Preview
