
Al Hasan inspires Bangla fightback
Shakib Al Hasan claimed three wickets as the Tigers staged a fightback on day one of the opening Test against Sri Lanka.
A 95-run second-wicket partnership between Michael Vandort and Kumar Sangakkara had hinted at a dominant position for the tourists in the second session.
But Al Hasan and Shahadat Hossain, with two wickets, struck as the hosts reduced their opponents to 172 for six before bad light brought an early close.
Heavy fog at Shere Bangla National Stadium had delayed the start by almost two hours, before Sri Lanka won the toss.
Mahela Jayawardene's side were in no hurry in the morning session, scoring at just 2.25 runs per over.
Malinda Warnapura was an early victim when Mashrafe Mortaza got one to nip in and win an lbw verdict.
Vandort and Sangakkara then saw Sri Lanka through to lunch, before apparently taking control in the afternoon.
But with half-centuries seemingly on the cards for the two left-handers, Al Hasan broke the partnership with a full delivery which Sangakkara chipped to Mohammad Ashraful at midwicket.
Vandort followed three overs later, mistiming pace bowler Hossain to Al Hasan at midwicket.
Captain Jayawardene lost his off-stump to Al-Hasan for only three, and Sri Lanka had stuttered to 139 for four at tea.
Bangladesh continued their success in the final session, with Tillakaratne Dilshan bowled between bat and pad by Al Hasan.
Prasanna Jayawardene was then caught at fine-leg by Tamim Iqbal off Hossain.
Thilan Samaraweera was unbeaten on 20, with Chaminda Vaas yet to get off the mark when bad light interrupted.
The match is the first of a two-Test series and will feature a rest day on Monday because of parliamentary elections.
Powered by Disqus
