Bangladesh Sri Lanka Test Series Played at Pallekele, Candy from 21-25 April 2021 
Brief Scorecard at Stumps Day One 
Bangladesh 1st Innings 303/2 (Nazmul Hossain Shanto 126, Tamim Iqbal 90, Mominul Haq 64*, Vishwa Fernando 2/63) 

Bangladesh cricket team bouncing back brilliantly from back to the wall from humiliating defeats in all formats over the past few months spent a day of glorious sunshine. Winning the toss and electing to bat on a green pacey wicket Bangladesh moved to driver's seat at stumps scoring 302/2.
 
Bangladesh took a very positive decision of appearing with five bowlers including three pacers. Electing to bat on a greenish wicket on a warm day was also a positive decision. Saif perished in no time. But Tamim in his flamboyant best was in punishing mood. He found a good allay in Nazmul Shanto taking the anchors role. It is not that Sri Lankan pacers Lakmal, Fernando and Kumara did not tease Bangladesh batsman with whatever little assistance they could extract. But Tamim counter attacking brutally took away the initiative. His sparling 90 in 101 deliveries and 144 runs 2nd wicket partnership set a solid foundation for Bangladesh. Tamim looked in complete command striking 15 gorgeous boundaries before presenting a simple catch to lone slip fielder Thirimanne off the bowling of Fernando. He might have lost the opportunity for scoring a century but his bright innings gave a very positive signal to the team camp. 

Nazmul continued his solid innings and by stumps scoring his maiden test century remained not out on 126. His innings featured solid defense, extreme patience and exemplary temperament. His captain Mominul (64*) also played a characteristic innings of class. The unbroken 3rd wicket partnership already produced 150 runs. 

Hot and humid day would dry out whatever moisture would have been there on the pitch under green top. Odd balls were kicking. As days progress wicket will grip and take turn. Bangladesh from where they are should aim scoring 450 plus. The five bowlers can create issues for Sri Lanka. Off course there is still a lot of time to go. 12 sessions over four days. Bangladesh should perform consistently to wretch control of the match.

The performance today did at least had lot to cheer for Bangladesh cricket admirers after months of despair. 

BDST: 1850 HRS, APR 21, 2021
SMS