An unbeaten fifth-wicket stand of 233 helped Bangladesh recover from a disastrous start against Sri Lanka. In fact, they were probably the happier side after Day 1 of the second Test match.
After the first Test in Chattogram had ended in a draw, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka reconvened hostilities in Mirpur. Both sides made two chances. Bangladesh brought in Mosaddek Hossain and Ebadot Hossain for Nayeem Hasan and Shoriful Islam, while Sri Lanka left out Lasith Embuldeniya and Vishwa Fernando in favour of Praveen Jayawickrama and Kasun Rajitha.
Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat, but they soon found themselves deep in trouble. Rajitha bowled Mahmudul Hasan Joy for a duck off just the second ball of the match. In the next over, Asitha Fernando had Tamim Iqbal caught by by Jayawickrama.
Rajitha picked up his second wicket when he bowled Najmul Hossain Shanto for eight. Nine balls later, Fernando had home captain Mominul Haque caught behind for nine. When Rajitha then had Shakib Al Hasan leg before for a duck, Bangladesh were reeling at 24/5.
But their innings was transformed by the sixth wicket pair of Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das, who carried their form over from Chattogram. First they steadied the ship and then as some of the early life disappeared out of the pitch began to play some shots. Both reached their fifties and accelerated to three figures, as the partnership passed the 200-run mark. The Sri Lankan bowlers were tiring by close of play, and will feel dispirited, having been so much on top in the first hour.
Das will resume on 135 not out, having completed his second Test hundred. He has hit a six and 16 fours so far. His partner Mushfiqur has just reached his eighth Test hundred, and will pick up his own innings unbeaten on 115. He has struck 13 fours so far.
Bangladesh 277/5 (Liton Das 135*; Mushfiqur Rahim 115*; Kasun Rajitha 3-43) vs Sri Lanka.