Shanto hits maiden Test century

Youngster Najmul Hossain Shanto hit the maiden century of his Test career against Sri Lanka in the first match of a two-match Test series at Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Wednesday (April 21).

The elegant left-hander carved out 102 runs off 236 balls as Bangladesh scored 252 runs for two wickets in the third session of the first innings on Day 1.

He hit 12 fours and a six in his brilliant innings.

Earlier, star batsman Tamim Iqbal was close to completing his 10th Test ton, but fell 10 runs short of the target in the second session.

Tamim played the Lankan bowling with ease, driving on the up and cutting loose on the backfoot whenever width was on the offer. Having found so much time to play his shots, helped by the Sri Lankan bowlers often erring in line and length, Tamim reached 90 off 100 deliveries, laced with 15 fours.

Bangladesh lost Saif Hassan very early as he fell in trap of lbw by Vishwa Fernando in the second over.