Sports News | Tamim, Mahmudul Help Bangladesh Cut Sri Lanka's Lead to 240

Chattogram (Bangladesh), May 17 (AP) Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudul Hasan posted half-centuries in an unbroken 157-run opening stand as Bangladesh cut the first-innings deficit to 240 by lunch on Day 3 of the series-opening cricket Test against Sri Lanka.

Tamim was unbeaten on 89, approaching his 10th Test century, and Mahmudul was 58 not out after the morning session on Tuesday.

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Sri Lanka was bowled out for 397 in the first innings, with Angelo Mathews scoring 199.

Tamim went after the Sri Lankan bowlers in aggressive fashion after Bangladesh resumed Day 3 on 76-0, hitting Vishwa Fernando for consecutive boundaries in the first two balls he faced.

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Fernando, who was hit on the helmet during Sri Lanka's innings, went for a medical check-up after bowling four overs in the morning. Kasun Rajitha was available as a replacement but Fernando returned to the match and resumed bowling before the lunch.

Tamim raised his 32nd test half-century off just 73 balls, cutting offspinner Ramesh Mendis for a boundary past point.

Mahmudul was restrained but never hesitated to punish the loose deliveries.

He reached his half century from 112 deliveries, flicking paceman Asitha Fernando through mid-wicket. Mahmudul was on 51 when he got a reprieve in Asitha Fernando's next over, with Lasith Embuldeniya dropping a catch at fine-leg.

It was the only chance Sri Lanka's bowling attack created in the session. AP

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