Lanka take handy lead

Bogra: Upul Tharanga slammed an impressive maiden century to help Sri Lanka take a handy first innings lead over Bangladesh in the second and final Test on Thursday. The elegant left-hander struck a timely 160 not out as Sri Lanka, who were struggling on 43-4 at one stage, stretched their innings to 302-8 on the second day in reply to the home side’s 234. Tharanga smashed 19 fours and two sixes as Sri Lanka gained a 68-run lead. Tharanga earlier added 124 crucial runs for the fifth wicket with skipper Mahela Jayawardene, who hit seven fours in his 49. The Sri Lankan captain found himself in the middle after a twin strike from Shahadat Hossain had rocked the middle order. Hossain removed Thilan Samara-weera (20) and Kumar Sangakkara (0) in the first session as Sri Lanka struggled after resuming on 25-2. — AFP