The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporters

Sri Lanka totally took the control of the first Test against Bangladesh when they notched up 291 for the loss of four wickets in the second innings after dismissed Bangladesh for 178 in the first innings on the third day's play of the first Test of the Grameenphone Test Series at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.

Earlier, Sri Lanka scored 293 in their first innings on the second day's game.

Sri Lanka have now 406-run lead from Bangladesh.

Today the fourth day's play will not be held due to national parliament elections.

The match resumes tomorrow at the same venue.

Bangladesh resumed their first innings with the overnight score of 177 for the loss of nine wickets but they lost their last wickets adding more one run.

Sri Lanka made a disastrous start as they lost their early two wickets for 18 runs. Mahbubul Alam, the medium pacer trapped lbw Malinda Warnapura for just eight runs.

After that Mashrafe Bin Mortaza cleanly bowled Micheal Vandort, the opener of the touring Sri Lanka for six runs.

Later, skipper Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara recovered their team from early debacle as they put on together 135 runs in the third wicket stand.

Mahela Jayawardene remained undefeated with a marvellous 129 off 219 balls. he hit 14 fours and a sixer in his unfinished 312-ball knock. He fullfilled his 24th Test century playing 177 deliveries.

Kumar Sangakkara knocked a painstaking 67 off 134 balls. Sangakkara struck eight fours in his 189-minute innings before he was caught behind by Mushfiqur Rahim off Mehrab Hossain (Junior) when Sri Lanka"s total was 153 for the loss of three wickets.

After dismissal of Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera conyributed 138 runs for the fourth wicket partnership before Samaraweera was bowled by Mashrafe making a fine 62 off 116 balls. He sent the ball eight times through the ropes.

After 82 overs Mashrafe Bin Mortaza took the new ball and got success as he removed Samaraweera when the visitors reached a safe position scoring 291 for the loss of four wickets.

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza was the day's most successful bowler with a couple of wickets at the cost of 24 runs.