1st Test: High-flying Perera takes five in Sri Lanka victory

Tourists wrap up massive innings-win against Bangladesh on day four

DHAKA: Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera picked up five wickets as Sri Lanka thumped fragile Bangladesh by an innings and 248 runs in the first Test in Dhaka on Thursday.

Bangladesh, trailing by a huge 498-run margin on first innings, were bowled out for 250 in their second knock after lunch on the fourth day at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.

Perera, a 31-year-old playing in his second Test, finished with five for 109 while seamer Suranga Lakmal took three as the hosts were dismissed in 51.5 overs with a day to spare.

Bangladesh, who resumed the day at 35 for one, failed to cope with Sri Lanka's pace and spin assault and lost their last nine wickets for 215 runs despite the even-paced pitch.

Three Sri Lankans hit centuries including Mahela Jayawardene, who scored an unbeaten double-ton during their 730-for-six spree in the first innings.

Jayawardene, who was named man of the match, said he was happy to contribute to what was a ‘great game’ by the team.

"It has been some time since I got a big one," said the 36-year-old former captain. "I thought it was a great game by the team as everyone put their hands up and performed.

"Test cricket is all about handling situations, that is where our guys did well. We applied ourselves and made sure we did not lose wickets up front."

Sri Lanka have now won 14 of their 15 Tests against Bangladesh, eight of them by an innings margin, and drawn the other.

Bangladesh, who languish at the bottom of the Test rankings at number 10 – lower than unfancied Zimbabwe – have lost 68 of their 82 Tests since gaining full status in 2000.

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim rued the lack of runs in the first innings that set his team back.

"It was a good wicket to bat on, but we did not play well from day one and that put us on the back foot," he said. "Hopefully we will come back strongly in the next Test. We need to work on our batting. It is important that someone from the top plays a big innings."

The second Test starts in the port city of Chittagong on February 4. It will be followed by two Twenty20 matches and three One-Day Internationals.