Bandara's double strike plunges Bangladesh into trouble

CHITTAGONG,Bangladesh, Feb 28: Two quick wickets from Sri Lankan leg-spinner Malinga Bandara reduced Bangladesh to 84 for three at lunch on the opening day of the first test today.

After winning the toss, the hosts opted to bat at the Chittagong Divisional Stadium and looked ill at ease from the start of the two-test series.

Opener Javed Omar (4) was removed by fast bowler Lasith Malinga to the fifth ball of the morning when he was caught by Thilan Samaraweera in the slips.

Captain Habibul Bashar joined Nafees Iqbal for a partnership of 72 before Bandara broke the stand by bowling Iqbal for 34. He also trapped Bashar lbw on 29 the following ball.

Shahriar Nafees and Mohammad Ashraful were unbeaten on four and three at the lunch interval.

Reuters