Khaled restricts SL on first day

Pacer Khaled Ahmed had a standout performance for the Bangladesh A team as the visiting Sri Lanka A team ended the rain-affected opening day on 171 for 4 in the first of two four-day matches at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday.

Electing to bat, Sri Lanka lost opener Lahiru Milantha (4) early as he was caught behind off a swinging delivery from Khaled but skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne added 85 runs for the second wicket.

However right-arm seamer Khaled struck again, trapping Karunaratne leg-before on 60.

Left-arm pacer Abu Hider dismissed Ashan Priyanjan on 23 while Khaled bagged his third wicket with a leg-before against Sadeera Samarawickrama (2) in the very next over to bring the hosts back into the game.

Thirimanne remained unbeaten on 66 runs off 140 balls alongside Charith Asalanka (12 not out) but it was rain that played foul after the lunch break, halting the game several times until the on-field umpires eventually called off the first days' play after 60.2 overs.

SCORES IN BRIEF

SRI LANKA A: 171 for 4 in 60.2 overs (Thirimanne 66, Karunaratne 60; Khaled 3-37)