The New Nation - Internet Edition

Md Sabbir Hossain

Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka by 107 runs on the last and final day of the first Test of the Grameenphone Test Series at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday.

Deciding to bat first, Sri Lanka notched up 293 in the first innings on the second day (Saturday).

In reply, Bangladesh scored 178 in the first innings on the third day.

Later, Sri Lanka made 291 for the loss of four wickets at the close of the third day's play (Sunday).

The fourth day's game was not held on Monday due to national parliament elections.

Sri Lanka resumed their second innings on Tuesday and piled up 405 for the loss of six wickets and then they set a target of 521 runs to win for Bangladesh in the second innings.

Needing 521 runs to win, Bangladesh scored 254 for the loss of five wickets before the two umpires drew the bails for the fourth day.

Skipper Mohammad Ashraful (70) and Shakib Al Hasan (34) resumed their second innings and Mohammad Ashraful knocked a superb 101 off 193 balls. Ashraful hit 16 fours in his 209-minute innings before he was trapped lbw by Chaminda Vaas. At that time Bangladesh's score was 292 for the loss of six wickets. Ashraful hit his fifth Test century playing 47 Test matches.

Ashraful fulfilled his century using 182 deliveries.

After departure of Ashraful, Shakib Al Hasan and wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim contributed together 111 runs for the seventh wicket stand before Shakib Al Hasan was the victim of nervous ninety's. Shakib was bowled by medium pacer Dhamikka Prasad making 96 when the team's total was 403 for the loss of seven wickets. Shakib faced 212 balls in his 287-minute innings, which was decorated with seven strokes across the ropes.

Shakib was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round performance.

Shakib scored 122 (26+96) runs and captured 6 (5+1) wickets.

After dismissal of Shakib, the tailender batsmen of Bangladesh failed to face the Lankan bowling attack. Thus, Bangladesh were all out for 413. It was Bangladesh's highest score in the second innings in their Test campaign so far.

Mushfiqur Rahim hit 61 off 111 balls amid seven fours.

Muttiah Muralitharan bagged four wickets conceding 141 runs while Dhamikka Prasad got three wickets for 105 runs.