Galle Test: Tamim, Soumya lead B'desh reply to Lanka's 494

Galle [Sri Lanka], Mar. 8 (ANI): Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar shared a 118-run opening stand as Bangladesh made a solid start reaching 133 for two in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 494 on Day Two of the opening Test here at the Galle Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. At Stumps, Sarkar was unbeaten on 66 alongside skipper Mushfiqur Rahim who was batting at the crease on 1. Sarkar and Iqbal shared a 100-plus partnership on a flat track before the latter was run out in bizarre fashion by wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella on his individual score of 57. One down Mominul Haque couldn't stay long at the crease and was trapped in front of the wickets on 7. Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka put up a massive 494 in their first innings. Overnight batsman Kusal Mendis, who was unbeaten at 166, got to 194 but could not complete his maiden double ton as he was caught at long-on while trying to go for a big six. It was Test best score for the 22-year-old, improving on the 176 he made against Australia last year. His innings which lasted for more than seven hours, contained 19 boundaries and four sixes. Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella and Dilruwan Perera were the other Lankan batters who contributed with 85, 75 and 51 and took the score near 500. For the visitors, spinner Mehedi Hasan was the most successful bowler as he got both Mendis and Dickwella in the first session, ending his spell with four wickets. Mustafizur Rahman picked two wickets. However, Subhashis Roy, who bowled exceptionally on Day One, remained less effective. (ANI)