Sri Lanka reaches 175-4 at tea vs. Bangladesh

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Kumar Sangakkara and Dinesh Chandimal struck half-centuries in leading Sri Lanka back from a precarious position in the second test against Bangladesh as the hosts reached 175-4 at tea on the second day Sunday.

The pair added 106 runs for the fifth wicket after Sri Lanka slumped to 69 for four, losing three wickets in the morning session.

Sangakkara was 75 not out at tea, his 42nd test half-century which came off 173 deloveries including five boundaries. Chandimal remained unbeaten on 53, his fifth half-century, off 106 balls including four boundaries.

The session was dominated by Sri Lanka scoring 94 runs without conceding a wicket.

Bangladesh's bowlers grabbed three quick wickets to put pressure on Sri Lanka in the opening session of the second day.

Seam bowler Robiul Islam added the wicket of Lahiru Thirimanne (0), who was caught behind by captain Mushfiqur Rahim, seamer Abul Hasan dismissed opener Dimuth Karunaratne (17) and off spinner Sohag Gazi had Angelo Mathews caught by Mahmudullah for 16.

Tillakartne Dilshan was dismissed for a duck by Islam during Sri Lanka's four overs of batting on the first day.

Islam returned 2-52.

Bangladesh was 240 all out in its first innings with Mominul Haque top scoring with 64.

Both teams are chasing a win in the match to claim victory in the two-match series after the first test ended in a high scoring draw in Galle last week.