Tamim, Mushfiqur, Mahmudullah half-centuries take Bangladesh to 257

Half-centuries from Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad propelled Bangladesh to a challenging total of 257/6 in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Mirpur on Sunday.

Skipper Tamim laid the foundation with a 70-ball 52 even as he lost Liton Das (0) and Shakib Al Hasan (15) cheaply. The left-handed batsman forged a 56-run third-wicket partnership with Mushfiqur before being dismissed by Dhananjaya de Silva. 

With Mohammad Mithun falling in the following delivery, Bangladesh were in a spot of bother at 99 for four, but Mushfiqur's 84 off 87 deliveries and Mahmudullah's 76-ball 54 resurrected the innings.

Some handy runs from Afif Hossain (27*) and Mohammad Saifuddin (13*) made sure the hosts crossed the 250-mark, posing a challenge for the visitors who came with a rather young and inexperienced side.

Dhananjaya was the most impressive of the Lankan bowlers with three wickets for 45 runs.