Tharanga had not reached fifty in his four previous Test innings

Upul Tharanga struck a timely maiden century as Sri Lanka recovered to 302-8 at stumps on day two of the second Test against Bangladesh, a lead of 68.

The Sri Lankans resumed on 25-2 and lost Thilan Samaraweera and Kumar Sangakkara in two overs within the first half hour of the day.

Playing in only his third Test, Tharanga's previous best score was 47.

The 21-year-old defied the home attack, however, hammering 17 fours and two sixes in a belligerent unbeaten 160.

While Samaraweera was defeated by some extravagant high bounce to edge behind, Sangakkara fell in the opposite manner, but was unfortunate to be given lbw as the ball appeared to pitch outside leg stump before hitting a crack and shooting along the ground.

Mohammad Ashraful dismissed Mahela Jayawardene with the first ball of a new spell, the Sri Lankan captain falling one short of fifty after pulling to deepish mid-wicket.

It ended an important partnership of 124 in 38 overs, Jayawardene unlucky not to record his 28th Test fifty having struck seven fours in a well-judged innings.

Enamul Haque was warned about running into the danger area and next ball saw Tharanga advance down the wicket and loft to mid-off, where Shahadat Hossain dropped the chance and the ball trickled away for four.

Sri Lanka were in trouble at 43-4 when Sangakkara was given lbw

Then next ball after that misfortune Tharanga was undeterred and down the wicket again, lofting superbly over long-on for six.

Tillakaratne Dilshan helped add 65 with Tharanga, after striking five fours in his 33, but he was defeated by a quicker arm ball from Mohammad Rafique.

Farveez Maharoof made seven before he edged Haque and keeper Khaled Mashud juggled the catch, eventually pouching the ball at the third attempt, the umpires confirming the decision after a conference.

Haque struck again to oust Dilhara Fernando, who had collected a fortuitous boundary from him seven balls previously with an inside edge past the keeper for four.

The spinner got one to pitch in line and straighten for an lbw.

Tharanga, who was out for two in his first Test innings against India, made 47 in the second and hit 42 and 19 in the opening Test of this series.