DHANANJAYA, MENDIS LEAD STRONG SRI LANKA REPLY

Mahmudullah's 83 not out heaved Bangladesh to 513, before the two big hopes of Sri Lanka's top order - Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis - wiped 187 runs off the deficit together, and remained unbeaten at the close of play. Dhananjaya de Silva hit an unbeaten 104 while Kusal Mendis added 83 not out in Chittagong on Thursday.

The visitors came within 326 runs of Bangladesh’s total thanks to their strong reply, which came after spinner Mehedi Hasan struck in the third over to hand opener Dimuth Karunaratne a duck.

The hosts, who resumed the day on 374-4, added 139 runs to their overnight score with Mahmudullah leading their batting charge on the day with his unbeaten 83.

Mahmudullah added 35 with Mustafizur Rahman in the last wicket after adding 58 runs with debutant Sunzamul Islam for the eighth wicket.

Spinner Rangana Herath removed Mominul in the third over of the day when the left-handed batsman flicked a catch to Kusal Mendis at forward short leg after adding just one run to his overnight score.

Mominul, who hit 16 fours and a six, faced 214 balls during his marathon stay.

Herath struck again as Mosaddek Hossain lofted a catch to Lakshan Sandakan at mid-on after making just eight.

Mehedi looked good, taking Bangladesh to 400 with a lovely straight drive off Suranga Lakmal, before swinging his bat wildly to hit Herath for a six through cow corner.

But he was soon run out for 20 by Lahiru Kumara at third man.

Sunzamul made 24 runs before he was stumped by Sandakan.

Herath and Lakmal took three wickets each for Sri Lanka.

Earlier on day one, Mominul shared 236 runs with Mushfiqur Rahim (92) for the third wicket to put Bangladesh in a strong position after electing to bat in the first of the two-match series.

Stumps Day 2 :  Sri Lanka 187 for 1 (Dhananjaya 104*, Mendis 83*, Mehidy 1-45) trail Bangladesh 513 (Mominul 176, Mahmudullah 83*, Lakmal 3-68, Herath 3-150) by 326 runs