BAN vs SL | 1st Test | Day 2: Bangladesh's openers make moves towards fightback

While it was all gloomy from Bangladesh yesterday, the team brought out the tough character to lead a sensational comeback on the Day 2 of the first Test match against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka started their day at 258/4 with centurion Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal at the crease. The experienced duo survived the second new ball scare, with Mathews and Chandimal relying on singles to add to the scoreboard.

However, while the lunch break was not very far, Chandimal went for a reverse sweep, playing at the wrong line of the delivery and was trapped leg-before-wicket. However, Bangladesh finally got their man as Nayeem struck for the first time in the day.

In another major blow, the off-spinner had a hand to play. Niroshan Dickwella missed out on a cut-shot and ended up getting bowled.

It did not take too long for Shakib Al Hasan to join the party. In the first over of the day's second session, the veteran showed the door to Ramesh Mendis and Lasith Embuldeniya.

Although Mathews saw the other batters besides him succumbing, he remained unfazed and continued to pile up runs and brought up his 150 in the process.

Vishwa Fernando performed the supporting role to perfection and aided Mathews in the effort to push the Lankan Lions closer to the 400-run mark, which at one stage seemed a child's play. 

Vishwa coped a blow on his helmet off Shoriful Islam's bouncer and did not come to bat straight away in the final session. 

Vishwa who replaced Asitha Fernando, lasted for 27 deliveries before Nayeem castled him. 

Vishwa came to bat again in the bid to support Mathews. However, as the latter inched closer to 200 runs, Nayeem handed another disappointment to the touring side, dismissing the batter on 199.

This brought an end to Sri Lanka's first innings at 397 runs. 

Bangladesh's openers, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Tamim Iqbal, did just what the doctor ordered. Both the batters eloquently went through their business and helped the hosts finish the day at 76 runs for the loss of no wicket.

Bangladesh are still 321 runs behind Sri Lanka's first innings total. Mahmudul and Tamim are unbeaten on 31 and 35 runs, respectively.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka - 397/10

Angelo Mathews 199, Dinesh Chandimal 66;

Nayeem Hasan 6-105, Shakib Al Hasan 3-60

Bangladesh - 76/0

Mahmudul Hasan Joy 31*, Tamim Iqbal 35*

Bangladesh trail by 321 runs.