Chandimal defies Tigers

Skipper Dinesh Chandimal slammed 190 as Sri Lanka Cricket President's XI gave Bangladesh a befitting reply in the two-day warm-up match that always had a draw written over its face.

After the visitors made 391 for 7 on the first day, the hosts had a poor start to the second day as Taskin struck twice in four balls in the day's fourth over. And when Mustafizur Rahman removed Ron Chandraguptha, the Sri Lankan team were down to 29 for 3.

But Chandimal stood strong, playing a captain's knock while his middle and lower order also provided good support. First he and Roshen Silva (38) made 81 in the fourth wicket to avert the initial disaster and then together with Rumesh Buddika (32), he added a further 53 in the next stand.

Number seven batsman Leo Fransisco made 27 and number eight Wanidu Hasaranga 32 while Chamika Karunaratne hit a 50 with seven fours and two sixes to take his team past the Tigers' first innings total.

Chandimal ended the day unbeaten on 190 thanks to 21 fours and seven sixes.

Taskin bagged three wickets for the visitors while Mustafizur grabbed a brace.

The first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be played in Galle on 7-11 March.