Bangladesh need 437 runs to chase in 150 overs

Taijul Islam took five wickets as Sri Lanka declared their second innings on 194 for nine, setting Bangladesh a mammoth target of 437 runs with almost five sessions remaining.

Taijul, the left-arm spinner, was the most impressive of the Bangladesh bowlers, taking five wickets for 72 runs in 19.2 overs as the hosts looked for quick runs before declaration.

Mehedi Hasan Miraz took two wickets while Taskin Ahmed and Saif Hassan took a wicket each for Bangladesh.  

Sri Lanka lost four more wickets on the fourth morning of the second Pallekele Test on Sunday, but their lead already extended past 400.

The hosts reached 172 for six in 39 overs in their second innings at Lunch, with an overall lead of runs 414 runs and have four second innings wickets in hand against the visitors.

They scored runs at a brisk pace -- 155 in 32 overs to extend their lead -- losing four wickets in the process.

Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne top-scored with 66 before falling to part-time spinner Saif Hassan. Dhananjaya de Silva fell to Mehedi Hasan Miraz for 44 while Taijul Islam accounted for the dismissals of Angelo Mathews (12) and Pathum Nissanka (24).

At the crease were Niroshan Dickwella (23) and Ramesh Mendis (2).

Sri Lanka had declared their first innings for 493 for seven before bowling out Bangladesh for 251.