BAN vs SL | 1st Test | Day 3: Tamim Iqbal hands Bangladesh a mighty edge

As it happened, Bangladesh put the Sri Lankan bowlers to a stern test, with Tamim Iqbal leading the charge on Day 3 of the first Test match between the two teams. 

Starting the day at 76/0, Bangladesh aimed to push closer towards Sri Lanka's first innings total of 397 runs. With Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Tamim already having spent ample time at the crease, it did not take too long for the duo to get themselves going.

Indisciplined bowling by the visitors in the morning session led to runs being scored at a rapid pace. With no help on offer, it added as a strength for Bangladesh's opening pair.

Before lunch, Bangladesh had already gathered 157 runs for no loss as the first session of the day saw as many as 81 runs being scored.

In a major respite to Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando provided them with the first breakthrough, ending a 162-run opening stand. The short-bowling ploy worked for Dimuth Karunaratne and Co as Mahmudul fell for the trap.

Meanwhile, Tamim brought up his 10th Test ton, that too at his home ground. 

Although Tamim held the fort, Kasun Rajitha, a concussion substitute of Vishwa Fernando, helped the Lankan Lions stage a comeback. Rajitha dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque in a quick fashion, with Bangladesh tottering at 184/3.

With Tamim visibly struggling to bat, he retired hurt at 133 runs. While Sri Lanka looked to ride on the momentum, Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das did not let it happen.

Both the middle-order batters carefully managed to bat through the last session. Mushfiqur and Liton notched up the half-centuries and stayed unbeaten at 53 and 54 runs respectively.

Bangladesh are currently trailing by 79 runs, with the score reading 318/3.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka - 397/10

Angelo Mathews 199, Dinesh Chandimal 66;

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

Bangladesh - 318/3

Tamim Iqbal 133, Mahmudul Hasan Joy 58;

Kasun Rajitha 2-17, Asitha Fernando 1-55

Bangladesh trail by 79 runs.