Dilshan guides Sri Lanka to victory against Bangladesh

MIRPUR - Tillakaratne Dilshan scored a fine century to guide Sri Lanka to a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the tri-series opener here Monday.

Dilshan cracked 104 off 122 balls as Sri Lanka reached the victory target of 261 runs in 44.5 overs.

Skipper Kumar Sangakkara contributed a brisk 74 while Thilan Samaraweera remained unbeaten on 41.

Dilshan, who had made 10 centuries in 2009, began the New Year with another ton.

Sent in to bat, Bangladesh recovered from a top order collapse through Mohammad Ashraful’s 75.

Bangladesh got off to a decent start through Tamim Iqbal (40) and Imrul Kayes (23) as they scored 65 runs. But then they lost four quick wickets and suddenly found themselves reeling at 74/4.

Ashraful and Mushfiqur Rahim (35) stemmed the rot before Mahmudullah (45) and Naeem Islam (22) gave a late thrust to the total. Suranga Lakmal and Sujaj Randiv took two wickets each for Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh bowlers had no answers to Dilshan and Sangakkara as the duo batted without any trouble.

Rubel Hossain removed Upul Tharanga with 35 runs on the board. But from there on Sri Lanka took control of the match, denying Bangaldeshi bowlers any wicket.

Dilshan and Sangakkara added 148 runs for the second wicket to take the game away from the hosts.

Dilshan struck 12 fours in his 122-ball innings while Sangakkara hit 10 fours in his 73-ball 74.

Sangakkara played some delightful strokes along the ground while Dilshan came into his own taking the aerial route to clear the infield.

Dilshan also went past 4,000 runs in ODIs.

Shafiul Islam got his maiden international wicket when he had Sangakkara caught behind in the 30th over, but by then it was too late for Bangladesh.

Dilshan and Samaraweera added 59 runs before the former was dismissed by Mahmudullah.

Samaraweera, who hit five fours in his 54-ball innings, and Chamara Silva (4) carried the team home.