Sangakkara in fine form for Sri Lanka

Kumar Sangakkara’s 34th century steered Sri Lanka to a commanding 314-5 against Bangladesh at stumps on the first day of the second Test against at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Sangakkara remained unbeaten on 160, his sixth century against the host, the most by any batsman against

First day scorecard

Sri Lanka first innings F Karunaratne c Mahmudullah b Hossain 31 J Silva lbw Gazi 11 K Sangakkara not out 160 D Jayawardene lbw Mahmudullah 72 L Chandimal c Kayes b Hasan 27 A Mathews c Shakib b Hasan 5 K Vithanage not out 0 Extras: 8 Total: (5 wickets; 92 overs) 314 Fall of wickets: 1-39 2-49 3-227 4-294 5-312

Bangladesh.

On a tough pitch, Sangakkara ensured Sri Lanka dominated most of the day until Bangladesh fought back with three wickets in the last session.

He was aided by Mahela Jayawardene, who scored 72 as they added 147 after Sri Lanka was 49-2 in the first session.

Jayawardene, who was 203 not out in the first-Test victory, appeared to be heading towards his 34th century until he was trapped lbw by Mahmudullah, who spun the ball viciously. Jayawardene settled for a 45th half century, including only six boundaries.

With Jayawardene’s dismissal, Bangladesh earned a ray of hope to bounce back in the match, but it was quickly evaporated by Sangakkara, who went on to his first century since March, off 146 balls, including a dozen boundaries and two sixes.

His 34th Test century tied him fifth all-time with Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara.

Shakib Al Hasan was the most successful bowler with 2-70, while Al-Amin Hossain, Sohag Gazi, and Mahmudullah picked up one wicket apiece.

Shakib gave Bangladesh slight relief in the late afternoon when he claimed Dinesh Chandimal and skipper Angelo Mathews in quick succession.

While Chandimal, who scored 27, was done by the low bounce and impatience, Mathews also played a rash shot with just two overs to go for the day.

Bangladesh loaded up with spinners, and the pitch lived up to expectations as the spinners got bounce and turn right from the start.

In the first session, Dimuth Karunaratne scored a lively 31 but was out to a loose shot, cutting a short and wide delivery from Hossain straight to point where Mahmudullah took the catch.

Kithuruwan Vithanage, yet to open his account, will resume the second day with Sangakkara.