Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal put Sri Lanka in control against Bangladesh

 Colombo: A 194-run second-wicket stand between Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal helped Sri Lanka dominate Bangladesh as they reached 290/2 on the second day of the second Test.

By stumps in Colombo, the hosts had a 43-run lead with Nissanka unbeaten on 146 and nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya keeping him company.

Chandimal fell late in the day, caught attempting a reverse sweep on 93 — just seven short of what would have been his 17th Test century. His dismissal offered Bangladesh a sliver of hope after a tough day in the field. Earlier, Lahiru Udara had contributed 40 in an 88-run opening stand before falling lbw shortly after lunch.

Though Sri Lanka raced to 49 in the first 10 overs, Bangladesh clawed back through disciplined spells from Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam. Runs slowed, but the Lankan pair remained composed. After tea, Nissanka took two blows to the helmet as Bangladesh tested him with short balls. They held firm, scoring just 28 off the first 12 overs of the final session, before opening up with 72 from the next 16.

Bangladesh’s seamers leaked runs. Ebadot Hossain and debutant Nahid Rana bowled 19 expensive overs between them, while offspinner Nayeem Hasan struggled with consistency. Nissanka and Chandimal punished him early, scoring 45 off 43 balls, but Nayeem removed Chandimal in the final session.

Earlier, Bangladesh added just 20 runs before being bowled out for 247. Taijul Islam, who made a fighting 33, was eventually dismissed.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka: 290/2 (Pathum Nissanka 146 not out, Dinesh Chandimal 93, Lahiru Udara 40, Nayeem Hasan1-45) vs Bangladesh: 247 (Shadman Islam 46, Mushfiqur Rahim 35, Sonal Dinusha 3-22, Asitha Fernando 3-51)