Dhaka, June 20 -- The day started promisingly for Bangladesh. Nayeem Hasan snapped up the wicket of Dhananjaya de Silva and Hasan Mahmud scalped Kusal Mendis in quick succession.

But Kamindu Mendis, who has stood firm for Sri Lanka's rear guard in recent months, kept the game ticking over, eventually taking Sri Lanka to 465-6 at lunch on Friday, trailing Bangladesh by 30 runs.

With stolid support from Milan Rathnayake (38*), Mendis (83*) has steered the hosts within touching distance of a lead in Galle.

Bangladesh had hoped quick wickets on Day 4 would disrupt Sri Lanka's innings and give them a sturdy lead heading into the back half of the match. Despite the breakthroughs, they were unable to build on their initial momentum.

However,...