Jeewan Mendis resists Bangladesh Academy bowlers

The result of the four-day match between Bangladesh Cricket Board Academy and Sri Lanka Academy XI at the Premadasa Stadium will hinge on how long the hosts' lower-middle order can resist the Bangladesh Academy attack on the final day. Sri Lanka Academy XI were reduced on 212 for 5 on the third day, after wiping out a first-innings deficit of 69, with a 143-run lead in the second innings.

Sri Lanka Academy XI's situation was dire in the second innings after they lost their first four wickets for 82, effectively leaving them 13 for 4. They were rescued by a 125-run stand for the fifth wicket, between Jeewan Mendis and Nadeera Nawela, which spanned nearly 53 overs. Nawela played 148 balls for his 50 while Mendis remained unbeaten on 93 off 185. Mahbubul Alam, Bangladesh Academy's new-ball bowler who had taken two of the first three wickets, broke the stand by trapping Nawela lbw late in the day.

Bangladesh had resumed their innings this morning on 310 for 8 with captain Naeem Islam batting on 73. He didn't add to his score before being bowled by Mendis and the innings came to a close on 321. Mendis finished with figures of 4 for 61 but his work for the day had only just begun.