Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis said on Sunday that they need to score over 500 runs against Bangladesh in the first innings of the two-match series opener considering it is a good wicket to bat at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

Bangladesh found them wanting on the first day of the opening Test as Sri Lanka made strong progress, reaching 258-4. Angelo Mathews was the key for the visitors, hitting his 12th century, which kept Sri Lanka in a position of dominance. He was batting on 114 at stumps with Dinesh Chandimal on 34.

Kusal Mendis scored 54 and accompanied Mathews in a 92-run partnership for the third wicket stand, which set the tune eventually.

“The wicket was good, so we (told each other) that we can’t panic. A batter struggles for the first ten balls, but after that, he can play well,” Mendis told the media after the end of opening day’s play.

“I think finishing on a 258-run is a good score on the first day. I also think more than 400 or 500 runs is a good score on this pitch,” he said.

“The openers started really well. After two wickets fell, Angelo and I went okay. It is a very good wicket. I think they bowled very well wicket-to-wicket. Angelo is going well. He batted very well today,” he said, adding that he is expecting Mathews to make a big hundred against the home team.

“He (Mathews) played very well. He is the most senior guy in the Sri Lanka team. He played a dominating innings. I think it would be good if he goes on to make 150 or 200 tomorrow,” he concluded.