• Sri Lanka posted 280 runs in their first innings against Bangladesh on Day 1 of the Sylhet Test.

  • Both Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis smashed centuries.

Twitter reactions: Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis spearhead Sri Lanka’s fightback against Bangladesh on Day 1 of the Sylhet Test
Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis (Image Source: Twitter)

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Day 1 of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet saw Sri Lanka posting a score of 280 runs after being in a dire situation at 57/5. However, a resilient partnership of 202 runs between Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis, both scoring 102 runs each, led to a remarkable recovery, allowing the tourists to reach a respectable score.

Early struggles: Sri Lanka’s top order tested by Bangladesh pacers

In Sri Lanka’s innings, they faced early challenges as Khaled Ahmed struck early to dismiss opener Nishan Madushka (2), who offered a catch to Mehidy Hasan at third slip in just the second over of the match. Despite this setback, Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis managed to build a partnership of 37 runs for the second wicket before Khaled struck again, with Mendis departing after knocking the pacer’s delivery to Zakir Hasan at gully, scoring 16 runs.

Khaled continued his dominance by bowling Karunaratne with an in-swinger in the same over for 17. To compound Sri Lanka’s early woes, Najmul Hossain Shanto ran out Angelo Mathews for just five with a direct-hit. Shoriful Islam further added to Sri Lanka’s troubles by removing Dinesh Chandimal for nine, with Mehidy Hasan grabbing his second catch of the morning down low at leg slip.

Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis lead remarkable fightback

After lunch, Dhananjaya and Kamindu displayed their batting prowess, steering Sri Lanka towards a respectable total. Kamindu reached his maiden Test century off 126 balls with a sublime four through the covers off Nahid Rana but unfortunately fell on the next delivery, edging a catch to Liton Das. Following suit, Dhananjaya attempted to hook Rana off a short ball but was caught after a bold innings that included 12 fours and a six.

Both Dhananjaya and Kamindu notched brilliant centuries but were dismissed in Nahid Rana’s successive overs. Despite the lower-order failing to contribute significantly, the remarkable 202-run partnership between Dhananjaya and Kamindu had already steered the visitors to a position of safety. Pacers Khaled and Rana starred for the hosts, claiming three wickets each on the green surface they chose to bowl first on.

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Sri Lankan bowlers strikes back

In response, Sri Lankan bowler Vishwa Fernando made early breakthroughs, dismissing Zakir Hasan and Shanto. Kasun Rajitha then claimed the wicket of Mominul Haque in the slip cordon, further boosting Sri Lanka’s position. As the day concluded, Bangladesh found themselves at 32/3 at stumps, with Taijul Islam as the nightwatchman and Mahmudul Hasan Joy at the crease, providing Sri Lanka with a positive end to the day’s play.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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