Sri Lanka – Bangladesh 2nd Test Day 2 : Nissanka, Chandimal Dominate

By M. Shamil Amit

Opener Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal sent the Bangladesh bowlers on a leather hunt as the pair associated in a valuable 194-run stand for the second wicket for Sri Lanka to end day two of the second Test against Bangladesh in a strong position of 290 for 2 at the SSC ground. This was in reply to Bangladesh’s total of 247 having resumed from their overnight score of 220 for 8.
Nissanka made his fourth ton of his career as he remained unbeaten on 146 facing 238 balls which had 18 boundaries.
Earlier, Nissanka along with Lahiru Udara gave the hosts a sound start putting up 50 runs on the board in only 53 balls before going into the lunch break on 83 for no loss.
The post lunch session saw the pair being separated having added just five runs with Udara falling victim to left arm spinner Taijul Islam having made 40 in 85 balls that included four boundaries and sharing a partnership of 88.
Nissanka joined by Dinesh Chandimal continued to frustrate the Bangladesh bowlers as they put up Sri Lanka’s 100 on the board with Nissanka completing his 50 in 79 balls with six boundaries and then sharing a 50-run stand for the second wicket.
Chandimal reached his half ton in 70 balls with six boundaries and a six. The pair went on to post their 100-run stand for the second wicket.
The pair posted Sri Lanka’s 200 with Nissanka completing his fourth ton in 167 balls with the help of 12 boundaries.
With little threat coming from the Bangladesh bowlers, the pair posted their 150-run stand for the second wicket and Sri Lanka’s 250 on the board.  Left arm spinner Nayeem Hasan broke through for Bangladesh claiming the wicket of Chandimal who went for a reverse sweep but only succeeded in offering a catch to Litton Das ending a 194-run stand. He made 93 in 153 balls which included ten boundaries and a six.
Nissanka joined by night watchman Prabath Jayasuriya held on to the remaining overs for Sri Lanka to end on 290 for 2 - a lead of 43 runs.