Bangladesh restrict Sri Lanka to modest total

COLOMBO, July 20 (Reuters) Bangladesh restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 234 for six from 50 overs in the first one-day international today.

The Bangladeshi bowlers applied pressure after winning the toss and Sri Lanka slumped to 67 for three after the early loss of Sanath Jayasuriya (21), Kumar Sangakkara (16) and Mahela Jayawardene (two).

Upul Tharanga (57) and Chamara Silva (65) repaired the damage with an 83-run partnership for the fourth wicket, and when Tharanga's 104-ball innings ended Silva added a further 40 with Tillakaratne Dilshan (24).

Silva top-scored for the Sri Lankans with 65 from 76 balls including eight fours and one six.

Left-arm seamer Syed Rasel broke through first for Bangladesh, bowling veteran Jayasuriya with an off-cutter.

Vice captain Mashrafe Mortaza bowled a miserly opening spell, claiming one for 21 in his first eight tight overs, including the prize scalp of Sangakkara who was caught behind.

Rasel, who bowled his 10 overs straight through, then followed up with the wicket of Jayawardene who mistimed a drive and was caught at cover.

REUTERS SAM KP1440