Opener Tamim Iqbal century puts Bangladesh in control

DHAKA: Opener Tamim Iqbal hit his 10th Test century to help Bangladesh take control on Day 3 of the series-opening cricket Test against Sri Lanka, reaching 318-3 on Tuesday. Tamim made 133 off 217 before being retired hurt due to a muscle cramp, and Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das put on a 98-run unbroken stand to keep Bangladesh in a commanding position. Liton was batting on 54 with Mushfiqur on 53 at stumps as Bangladesh cut the first innings deficit to 79 runs.

Sri Lanka was bowled out for 397 in the first innings, with Angelo Mathews scoring 199.

Tamim, who recorded 15 fours, aggressively went after the Sri Lankan bowlers after Bangladesh resumed on 76-0, hitting Vishwa Fernando for consecutive boundaries in the first two balls he faced.

Fernando, who was hit on the helmet during Sri Lanka's innings, went for a medical checkup after bowling four overs in the morning. He was later ruled out of the match and Kasun Rajitha replaced him as a concussion sub.

Tamim raised his 32nd Test half-century off just 73 balls, cutting off-spinner Ramesh Mendis for a boundary past point. IANS

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