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.
Also READ: BAN vs SL 2024, Test Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, USA, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & other nations
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:
It was pleasing to watch the fightback of the 6th wicket pair of skipper Dananjaya De Silva and Kamindu Mendis steering Sri Lanka out of a virtual embarrassment. The Lankans now have something respectable on the board and hopefully if the tail could wag then it will be more than…
— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) March 22, 2024
Dhananjaya De Silva at No.6 has scored 1270 runs at present with Batting Average of 50.80
This is the highest batting average for any batter at this position in last 10 Years(Min: 300 Runs)
Goes under the radar in Red Ball Cricket… pic.twitter.com/0gAk6c07xN
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) March 22, 2024
What a comeback from Sri Lanka after losing 5 wickets for just 57 💪#BANvSL #DhananjayadeSilva #KaminduMendis #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/PETjcpITBF
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 22, 2024
Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis are underrated world-class all rounders. 🇱🇰 #Cricket #SriLanka
— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) March 22, 2024
Kamindu mendis what a knock! Came at a crucial time. Grabbed the opportunity with both hands👍 #banvsl
— Farveez Maharoof (@farveezmaharoof) March 22, 2024
If he comes to the crease with SL at 300/4, he rarely score big.
If he comes to the crease with SL at 50/4 or 75/4 most of the times he goes big.
Crisis man..Dhananjaya de Silva.👏👏
— Poornama🏏 (@iam_poor9) March 22, 2024
What a time to get your maiden Test century! ♥️
– Congratulations Kamindu Mendis 🇱🇰🏏 #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/qmP2FgT9zW
— Thurunu Jayasiri (@ThurunuJ) March 22, 2024
Kamindu Mendis takes it to a ton! #BANvSL
What a knock under pressure by the young gun! This maiden Test century is a special one, and the partnership with DDS is blossoming at 202* runs. Keep it going, boys! pic.twitter.com/ueTdwTbrqY
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) March 22, 2024
A comeback hundred for Kamindu Mendis. What a player. Under tremendous pressure too. Always good to see him in full flow scoring heavily square of the wicket. Brilliant call by the selectors to draft him in with a bit of juggling. Proved to be very handy.
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) March 22, 2024
When life gives you lemon, you make lemonade
Tremendous knock under pressure, when the team needed the most
Kamindu Mendis is here to make a statement#SLvBAN | #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/ZJQaUOLm6b
— Chenul Wahalathanthri (@Imchenul) March 22, 2024
Like Kamindu-Dhananjaya centuries today, this climate is also soothing right now in Colombo. #SLvsBAN
— Nashhath Ahamed (@zenotalks) March 22, 2024
End of day 1 and it is evenly poised with #srilanka slightly in front! A good day of test cricket! #BANvSL #CricketTwitter
— Mohamed Shazeen (@ShazeenIfamy) March 22, 2024
Sri Lanka bounce back strongly#BANvSL #MyGP pic.twitter.com/9KoEY1wBLb
— bdcrictime.com (@BDCricTime) March 22, 2024
Also READ: Explained: Why Wanindu Hasaranga’s Test ban for the Bangladesh series is a shrewd move to exploit an ICC loophole
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