Lankans put the first step forward

Upul Tharanga's thrilling century set up Sri Lanka for a 37-run victory in their ICC Champions Trophy qualifier against Bangladesh.

The opener's 105, his fifth one-day international hundred, was instrumental in Mahela Jayawardene's side posting a commanding 302 for eight from their 50 overs after losing the toss at Mohali.

The required rate of more than six an over always looked beyond the reach of Bangladesh, who had only once before broken the 300 barrier - against Kenya - and so it proved despite the best efforts of Saqibul Hasan (67 not out).

Shahriar Nafees scratched around for 22 balls in making five before falling to a superb diving catch by wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara off Chaminda Vaas while Mohammad Ashraful could make only 18.

Aftab Ahmed's 33 off just 31 balls injected some life into the innings but his departure, to Farveez Maharoof, and that of captain Habibul Bashar for a second-ball duck made a successful Bangladesh chase even more unlikely.

Saqibul Hasan and Farhad Reza (34) added a quickfire 61 for the fifth wicket but a further two dismissals for the addition of only 36 runs left Bangladesh flailing at 177 for seven.

An eighth-wicket stand of 49 between Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza (30) was ultimately futile as Bangladesh fell short.

Earlier, Tharanga had got the ball rolling for Sri Lanka after seeing off some disciplined early bowling before cutting loose.

The left-hander, who scored two one-day centuries on this summer's tour of England, shared in stands of 67 with veteran Sanath Jayasuriya (31), 63 with both captain Mahela Jayawardene (35) and Kumar Sangakkara (22) and 51 with Marvan Atapattu (40).

Tharanga brought up his ton off just 122 deliveries but departed after taking a huge swipe at Mortaza and missing.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (26no off 22 balls) saw Sri Lanka past 300 and once they had passed that mark the odds were always against Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka, despite their fine recent form, are playing in the four-team qualifying competition because of their low world ranking in April.

They, along with current champions West Indies, are expected to advance to the tournament proper at the expense of minnows Bangladesh and Zimbabwe