Sri Lanka make strong start after bowling out Bangladesh for 247

Sri Lanka cruised to 83 without loss by lunch on Day 2, following Bangladesh’s first-innings collapse for 247 in the morning session of the second Test at SSC, Colombo.

Openers Lahiru Udara and Pathum Nissanka capitalised on Bangladesh’s wayward bowling to register a brisk half-century stand — Sri Lanka’s first 50-run opening partnership in 19 Test innings.

Both batters looked untroubled against pace and spin alike, with Udara unbeaten on 40 and Nissanka on 42 at the interval.

Resuming at 220 for 8, Bangladesh managed just 27 additional runs. Taijul Islam offered brief resistance with a composed 33 off 60 deliveries, including five boundaries, before being dismissed by debutant Sonal Dinusha.

The left-arm spinner impressed with 3 for 22, equalling Asitha Fernando’s figures. Vishva Fernando contributed with 2 for 35.

Sri Lanka began their reply aggressively, with Nissanka finding the boundary off the very first ball. They smashed nine fours in the first nine overs as Bangladesh's new-ball bowlers failed to build any pressure.

Ebadot Hossain gave away 17 runs in three overs, while Nahid Rana leaked 20 in his first two.

The hosts also benefited from an umpire’s call LBW review in Udara’s favour off Taijul, compounding Bangladesh’s woes.

Earlier, Bangladesh lost Ebadot early and were unable to reach the 250 mark, despite seven players getting into double figures.