Ajantha Mendis scores 166* to power SL to 321-4 vs Bangladesh

Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis (left) celebrates his century with teammate Asela Gunaratne on Day One of the first Test against Bangladesh at Galle yesterday. Pic/AFP

Galle (Sri Lanka): Kusal Mendis made the most of a first-ball reprieve and went on to score an unbeaten century Tuesday as Sri Lanka posted a commanding 321-4 in the first Test against Bangladesh.

Mendis remained unbeaten on 166 at stumps after sharing a 196-run stand with Asela Gunaratne (85) for the fourth wicket at Galle International Stadium on Day One of the two-Test series.

Mendis reached three figures with a straight four off Soumya Sarkar in a 242-ball innings that has so far featured 18 fours and two sixes. Mendis and Gunaratne's massive partnership put the hosts firmly in control of the match by close of play after they were 92-3 at one stage.

Bangladesh started the day in positive fashion after Sri Lanka skipper Rangana Herath opted to bat on a flat track.