Sri Lanka need just five more wickets to register a comprehensive win in the first Test here. At stumps on Day III, Bangladesh, set a massive victory target of 511, were reeling at 47/5.
On Sunday, Sri Lanka, riding on centuries from captain Dhananjaya de Silva (108) and lower-order batter Kamindu Mendis (164), posted as many as 418 in their second innings. That too, after Bangladesh had them at 126/6.
The 173-run seventh-wicket stand between Dhananjaya and Mendis had as good as taken the game away from the hosts, who looked clueless before pacer Vishwa Fernando in the fourth innings so far.
Striking in the first over of Bangladesh’s second innings by trapping Mahmudul Hasan Joy lbw, Fernando then accounted for Shahadat Hossain and Litton Das to finish the day with 3/13 off his seven overs. The other two quicks, Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara, dismissed skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Zakir Hasan, respectively.
A Herculean task awaits Bangladesh on Day IV if they are to harbour chances of avoiding a heavy defeat. Mominul Haq and Taijul Islam will resume proceedings.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 280 & 418 (Kamindu Mendis 164, Dhananjaya de Silva 108; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 4/74). Bangladesh 188 & 47/5 (Vishwa Fernando 3/13). At stumps, Day III.
Written with inputs from AP/PTI
