Mahela takes Sri Lanka to 602 with 33rd hundred

MIRPUR: Mahela Jayawardene smashed his 33rd test century to steer Sri Lanka to a daunting 602-6 at tea on the third day of the first test against Bangladesh.

Jayawardene was unbeaten on 146 with Kithuruwan Vithanage on 32 not out at the break as Sri Lanka stretched its lead to 370 and the possibility of an innings win.

Bangladesh got the only success of the day in the middle session when Sohag Gazi removed captain Angelo Mathews on 86.

Both Jayawardene and Mathews scored at a swift pace to take the match away from Bangladesh.

Jayawardene was particularly harsh on the pacemen, who helped him by bowling too short too often. The former skipper earned his century with consecutive fours against Robiul Islam. (AP)