Twitter Reactions: Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva’s tons help avoid Sri Lanka’s downfall on Day 1

The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet hosted the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Bangladesh, having recently won an ODI series against Sri Lanka, entered the 2-match Test series in high spirits. Although the hosts have never managed to beat Sri Lanka in Test cricket at home, their victory against New Zealand in a Test match at the same venue a few months back boosted their confidence.

On a grassy pitch, Sri Lanka were put into bat and found it challenging to adapt to the conditions. Half of their side was lost in the morning session. However, Kamindu Mendis was lucky to escape being dismissed off his first ball. Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu then led Sri Lanka’s revival, counterattacking the opposition bowlers and putting them under pressure.

Also read: Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim imitates Angelo Mathews’ time-out ordeal after series win

As the day progressed and the pitch eased out, the duo mixed caution with aggression and rotated the strike well. Both Dhananjaya and Kamindu scored brilliant centuries but fell in successive overs, courtesy of Nahid Rana. Although the tail didn’t offer much resistance, the 202-run partnership between Dhananjaya and Kamindu had already led the visitors to a safe position as they scored 280 in their first innings.

Sri Lanka strike with the new ball on Day 1

Vishwa Fernando opened the bowling for Sri Lanka and dismissed Zakir Hasan early on, and then trapped Shanto in front. Kasun Rajitha then took Mominul Haque’s wicket in the slip as the visitors ended the day on a high. The Bangladeshi batters will have to work hard as there will be assistance available for the opposition pace bowlers in the morning session. They will commence Day 2 on 32 for 3. 

Overall, Day 1 was a fine contest between two evenly matched sides. Bangladesh’s recent success in ODI cricket had given them a boost of confidence, but Sri Lanka’s experience in Test cricket meant they weren’t to be underestimated. Day 2 promises to tilt in favour of the side that accords to the deteriorating pitch and another exciting day awaits.

Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to Day 1 of the first Test between Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: