Mahela Jayawardene hit a double century and Kithuruwan Vithanage smashed a maiden century to help Sri Lanka declare their first innings at 730-6 on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh. This was the highest score by any team against Bangladesh.
In the second innings, Bangladesh was reduced to 34-1 at stumps. The hosts still trail behind 463 runs.
Marhsall Ayub and Shamsur Rahman will resume the fourth day with 11 and 9 runs. Tamim Iqbal was the batsman to go on 11 when he played a suicidal shot against Rangana Herath, who finished the day with 1-8.
Earlier, Jayawardene scored an unbeaten on 203 while Vithanage made 103 not out to help Sri Lanka take a gigantic 498-run lead over the hosts.
They shared 176 runs at quick pace to give the side enough time to bowl Bangladesh out in the second innings and press for an innings victory.
Jayawardene led Sri Lanka’s run spree on the third day having shared two century partnerships with Mathews and Vithanage. He reached 179 with Mathews and an unbroken 176 with Vithanage to take the match away from Bangladesh’s grip.
Vithanage played in one-day style and completed his maiden century in 99 balls. He hit 12 fours and two sixes.
Jayawardene was particularly harsh on the pacers who also helped him bowling too short frequently. The former skipper earned his century with consecutive fours against Robiul Islam. He reached his double century with six off Nasir and subsequently captain Mathews declared the innings.
Jayawardene smashed 16 fours and four sixes in his fifth century against Bangladesh in just 12 matches.
Shakib Al Hasan was the pick of the bowler taking 3-159 while Sohag Gazi claimed 2-130.
