Tamim dominates first session

Tamim Iqbal showed authority and class as Bangladesh put on 106 runs in 27 overs before lunch was called on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kandy.

Winning the toss, the Tigers elected to bat first, however Saif Hasan's early departure for a duck, out leg- before to Vishwa Fernando, did little to offset the flow of Tamim's strokeplay that was evident from the very first over of the innings when he hit Suraga Lakmal for two well-timed fours.

Tamim, often criticised for his slow strike-rate in ODIs, was going over a 100 strike-rate for the majority of his knock and was ably partnered by Najmul Hossain at the other end. Together the duo put on 97 runs for the second wicket as Tigers reached 106 for one in the first session.

Tamim reached his 50 in 53 deliveries and remained unbeaten at 65 off 72 deliveries after the first session in what looks like a very good pitch to bat on. He was helped by the line and length on offer from Sri Lanka bowlers, who erred on both sides of the wicket early on and allowed Tamim to get into his zone. Tamim's innings was laced with 12 fours so far.

Najmul at the other end remained patient but should count his lucky stars after he was dropped on 28 by the wicketkeeper off the bowling of Dhananjaya Maduranga as the left-hander was deceived by flight. Najmul was on 37 at Lunch.

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