Angelo Mathews hit an unbeaten century on Sunday to guide Sri Lanka to comfortably finish at 258-4 the first day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram.
Bangladesh bagged two wickets in the opening session at Zahur Hossain Choawdhury Stadium, but in the post-lunch session, Sri Lanka held firm without losing any more wicket despite some good bowling from Bangladesh.
After losing two wickets for 66 runs, Kusal Mendis and Mathews added 92 runs to the board which eventually helped Sri Lanka to put up a good total.
Mendis fell after hitting a fifty, but Mathews showed his grit on way to his 11th Test tome on a wicket that looked good to bat on. He ended the day on an unbeaten 114 off 213 with 14 fours and one six.
It was his first century in 12 innings. His last ton came up against England in Galle in 2021.
“It was a very good wicket, so somebody had to go big and bat for long,” Mathews told the broadcaster.
“On a placid wicket like this, first innings total is important. Bangladesh bowled well, it wasn't easy for us to go big. I hope it will turn on day 3 and day 4.”
Along with Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal also remained not out for 34.
For Bangladesh, Nayeem Hasan bagged two wickets while Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam scalped one wicket each.
Mathews stands tall as Sri Lanka end day 1 at 258/4
