The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Chittagong

A brilliant 131-run 5th wicket partnership between Thilan Samaraweera and first-innings centurion Tillakaratne Dilshan enabled touring Sri Lanka to take huge 471-run lead over hosts Bangladesh on the 3rd day of the 2nd test at the Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Stadium in Chittagong on Monday.

Sri Lanka resumed the 2nd innings with 13 for no loss in 5 overs and scored 295 for 4 in 95 overs at stumps on the 3rd day adding 282 runs on the day to take strong command over the home side with two days to spare, edging the visitors closer to a series win.

Number six batsman Dilshan, who contributed 162 runs in the first innings, again proved his mettle today contributing not out 81 runs off 114 balls with nine fours while number five batsman Samaraweera remained unbeaten on 72 off 162 balls with nine boundaries.

The only bright spot of the day for Bangladesh was Mohammad Ashraful, who once again displayed his skill in bowling as he removed Prasanna Jayawardene early on and Kumar Sangakkara before lunch.

Bangladesh skipper Ashraful, who performed consistently in the ongoing test series with a century in the first test and 45 runs in the first innings of the ongoing 2nd test, made the first breakthrough on the day dismissing Lankan opener P Jayawardene.

P Jayawardene was caught brilliantly by Shakib Al Hasan at mid wicket off a leg break delivery of Ashraful for 28 runs with scoreboard showing 55 for one in 16.5 overs.

Sri Lanka lost their 2nd wicket in quick succession when Bangladesh pacer Shahadat Hossain Rajib trapped another Sri Lankan opener Malinda Warnapura lbw in the very 2nd ball of the next over with Sri Lanka score stuck at 55.

Kumara Sangakkara and captain Mahela Jayawardene added useful 68 runs in the 3rd wicket stand in the 2nd session before Imrul Kayes caught Mahela (22) off an Enamul Haque Jr delivery to leave Lankans at 123-3.

Sangakkara pairing with Samaraweera contributed 42 runs to guide Sri Lanka to 165 runs for 4 in 58.1 overs. But Sangakkara became the 2nd victim of Ashraful on the day as he was clean bowled after scoring his 28th half century with 54 runs.

Ashraful with his leg break bowling claimed two wickets for 29 runs in 11 overs while spinner Enamul Haque Jr and pacer Shahadat Hossain Rajib took one wicket apiece for 66 and 67 runs respectively.