Mathews, Dhanajaya take charge before rain

Shakib Al Hasan removed Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne with a beauty of a delivery as the visitors lost two wickets early before Angelo Mathews and Dhanajaya de Silva attacked the bowling on the third morning of Dhaka Test on Wednesday. The visitors reached 210 for four at Lunch, which was taken five balls ahead of schedule due to rain.

And the rain showed no signs of easing off as the post-Lunch session was delayed. 

A newsman takes shelter in the gallery with his camera in hand as rain batters the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Earlier. Shakib tossed one up generously on off, inviting the drive and Dimuth took the bait. The Lankan skipper left a gap between bat and pad and the ball snuck through to hit middle. 

Karunaratne was out for 80 as Sri Lanka reached 176 for four after the end of the first hour, having started the day at 143 for two. Nightwatchman Kasun Rajitha was earlier bowled by Ebadot Hossain for zero.

Then former skipper Mathews and all-rounder Dhananjaya started rebuilding the innings. They started slowly. negotiating the pace and whatever turn was on offer, before going on the offensive mode. While Mathews was more circumspect, scoring 25 off 76 deliveries, Dhananjaya took a liking to the bowling, smashing five boundaries to reach 30 off 40 deliveries.

Sri Lanka were 210 for four at Lunch, having started the day at 143 for two.