Bangladesh need 302 runs to avoid follow-on in 2nd Test

CHITTAGONG: Shamsur Rahman and Imrul Kayes steadied the Tigers’ first innings after opener Tamim Iqbal was dismissed in the first over against Sri Lanka on the second day of the second Test here at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka piled up 587 runs in their first innings with the help of a brilliant triple century by ace batsman Kumar Sangakkara.

Bangladesh scored 86 for the loss of one wicket off 25 overs at the close of the day’s play, with Shamsur Rahman and Imrul Kayes unbeaten on 45 and 36, respectively.

The first blood was drawn off the Tigers in the very first over when Bangladesh had yet to score any run.

The low delivery from Suranga Lakmal saw Tamim on the back foot and touched the stump to silence the home crowd.

Imrul Kayes, who returned to national squad after a long time, joined Shamsur Rahman on the crease to guide the hosts safely through the day’s play.

Starting their second-day innings at 314 for 5, Lankans lost Kithuruwan Vithanage and Dilruwan Perera in quick succession on 35 and 1, respectively.

But Mendis kept his nerve on to accompany Sangakkara to post a huge total. He scored 47 before Shakib Al Hasan sent him back trapping him leg before.

Shakib stroke again four overs later picking up the wicket of Lakmal.

Sangakkara, who gave the foundation to the massive Lankans total, finally stopped in the 157th over, giving a catch to Sohag Gazi off a delivery from Nasir Hossain.

He hammered 32 boundaries and eight over boundary in his career best 319.

He also completed 11,000 Test runs and became the fastest to reach the milestone, getting there in just 208 innings. West Indies batting great Brian Lara remains the second fastest scoring the 11,000 in 213 innings.

Shakib grabbed five wickets for 148 while Nasir Hossian picked up two wickets.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim was not keeping behind the stumps today due to an injury to his left hand. Shamsur Rahman replaced him behind the stumps.

In the first match of the series, Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by the huge margin of an innings and 248 runs.

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