Chittagong: Tillakaratne Dilshan and Thilan Samarweera hit unbeaten half-centuries as Sri Lanka took big lead on the third day of the second Test against Bangladesh.

Dilshan, who top-scored with 162 in the first innings, hit 81 while Samarweera scored 72 as the visitors reached 296/4 in their second innings at close for a massive overall lead of 472 runs.

Bangladesh will look back and regret the fact they didn't go for the kill after stifling the top order. The bowling was far better than their first-innings effort and Sri Lanka seemed content on blocking and grinding the bowling with the occasional single.

The day's last session belonged clearly to Sri Lanka with their batsmen adding 109 runs without losing any wicket. Dilshan, dropped on 55 off Mashrafe Mortaza, hit nine fours in his 114-ball knock and dominated the 131-run unbroken stand for the fifth wicket with Samarweera.

Sri Lanka lead the two-Test series 1-0 after winning the opening game in Dhaka by 107 runs. Bangladesh have lost 51 of their 58 Tests so far, with six draws and a lone victory against lowly Zimbabwe.

Reports by session
1st Session: Runs 82, Wkt 2, Ovr 28
2nd Session: Runs 92, Wkt 2, Ovr 31
3rd Session: Runs 109, Wkt 0, Ovr 31

Brief Score: Sri Lanka 384 and 296 for 4 (Dilshan 81*, Samaraweera 72*, Sangakkara 54, Asharful 2-29) lead Bangladesh 208 by 472 runs.
Full Scoreboard