Shakib, Mosaddek put Bangladesh in charge at Colombo

A dazzling century from Shakib Al Hasan complemented by a gritty debut knock from Mosaddek Hossain have put Bangladesh in command against Sri Lanka on the third day.

Shakib scored 116, his first century against Sri Lanka, and fashioned a sparkling 131-run seventh-wicket stand with Mosaddek (75) to hand Bangladesh a 129-run first innings lead at the P Sara Oval in Colombo on Friday.

Sri Lanka skipper Rangana Herath (4-82) and chinaman Lakshan Sandakan (4-140) shared eight wickets between them as Bangladesh were bowled out for 467.

The hosts’ opener Dimuth Karunaratne and Upul Tharanga, batting on 25 each, then took the fight to Bangladesh bowlers to chop off 54 runs to be trailing Bangladesh by 75 runs at stumps.

Bangladesh’s scoreboard read one century, three half-centuries and two forty-plus scores after a fine batting display that contained a century stand, two ninety-plus partnerships and another half-century join effort.

Shakib reached his fifth century in the format off 143 deliveries cracking 10 boundaries.

After Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar gave the Tigers’ a strong base with a 95-run opening stand on the second day, the batsmen suffered a lapse of concentration in the final overs on Monday, losing three wickets in seven deliveries.

Shakib then tried to counterattack but came close to getting out twice before stumps. He, however, switched to a calmer approach on the third day, and it paid off.

"After yesterday's performance we needed a good total. A lead was important. I worked hard, and this was one of my better innings,” Shakib later said.

“You need to have patience on this sort of wicket. We lost three wickets late yesterday, so batting well today was important. We would have liked a few more runs, but the game is still delicately poised.

The ace allrounder was taken out by Sandakan just before tea.

But Mosaddek pressed on with a stroke-filled half-century and added 33 more with Mehedi Hasan Miraz (24) before Herath landed a double-blow to cut the lower order resistance short.

Mosaddek carved up seven boundaries and two sixes in his 155-ball innings before being the last man to fall in the final session.

Earlier in the day, a 92-run stand between Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim (52) helped the tourists recover from their second day-slump.

Shakib and Mushfiqur began the third day in steady fashion after resuming on an overnight 214 for 5. The duo milked runs easily as the hosts’ spinners struggled get any to turn off the track.

Mushfiqur, in particular, adjusted well and it paid dividends. He executed crisp drives and wristy flicks to reach his 17th ODI half-century and cracked six boundaries.

The most experienced Bangladeshi pair cropped up 102 runs in the first session to put Bangladesh back in a strong position.

Sri Lanka opted for the new ball as soon as it was available and pacer Suranga Lakmal struck immediately to dismiss Mushfiqur for their only success in the morning.