Mendis misses double ton but Sri Lanka dominate
GALLE, Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis was agonisingly denied a maiden double century by a sensational catch on the boundary ropes Wednesday as Sri Lanka piled on the runs in the first Test against Bangladesh.
The hosts reached 443 for six at lunch on the second day after resuming play on 321-4 on a flat batting track in Galle.
Mendis, who was unbeaten on 166 overnight after being reprieved by a no-ball on the first ball he faced, added 28 runs to his score before he was dismissed for 194 as he tried to reach his double century in style.
Tamim Iqbal took the catch off teenage off-spinner Mehedi Hasan at long-on as Mendis attempted a six, only to fail to clear the ropes.
Tamim ran backwards to take the catch, lobbing the ball back into the field as his feet crossed the boundary ropes and then pouching it again.
Mendis faced 294 balls and struck 19 fours and four sixes in his seven-and-a-half-hour stay on the crease.
Mendis could have been when he struck his first six of the morning as Mustafizur Rahman took a catch off the bowling of Subashis Roy but stepped on the rope on the fine leg boundary.
Spinner Mehedi, who finally earned Bangladesh the breakthrough, later dismissed Dickwella as the wicketkeeper batsman gave a catch to Mahmudullah at midwicket after making 75 off 76 balls.
Dickwella, who hit six fours and a six in his quick-fire innings, put on 110 with Mendis for the fifth wicket off just 124 balls.
Mehedi has claimed three wickets, conceding 104 runs. – AFP