COLOMBO, Sept 8: Bangladesh were struggling to avoid an innings defeat in their three-day warm-up game ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The visiting side were 31-1 at stumps on Thursday after conceding a 217-run first innings lead to a Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI, leaving them needing 186 to make the home side bat again on the final day.

The second-string Sri Lankan outfit had earlier in the day notched up 412 in reply to Bangladesh’s 195.

The Sri Lankans were powered by Jeevan Mendis, who hit 95, and wicketkeeper Gihan de Silva, who hammered 74. Opener Shantha Kalavithigoda, overnight 54, was out on 59 while captain Thilan Samaraweera scored 48.

In their second innings, the touring side lost opener Nafees Iqbal (five) in the penultimate over of the day.

Summarised scores: