Time for Bangladesh to win outside home, says Shakib after historic win

After a brilliant maiden Test win over Sri Lanka, an upbeat Shakib Al Hasan thinks it is time for Bangladesh to excel in games away from home.

The Tigers clinched a four-wicket victory over the islanders on an eventful final day to square the two-Test series 1-1 at the P Sara Oval in Colombo on Sunday.

Shakib set up the win with his first century against the Lankan lions, 116, in the first innings and six wickets in the match as Bangladesh signalled their coming of age in the game’s illustrious format.

It was a great comeback for Bangladesh after they lost the opening test at Galle by 259 runs to a side that blanked Australia 3-0 at home last year.

"It is a great feeling, winning a Test in Sri Lanka. This was a very important win. It wasn't easy. We had to come back strongly after the first Test," Shakib said after the game.

"100th Test, nothing better than that. The way we are improving, we will win some games in the future.

"We are having a very good time at home. Now we need to win outside [of Bangladesh]. It's a very good sign for our cricket that we are improving as a team."

Experienced opening batsman Tamim Iqbal anchored the chase with a stroke-filled 82.

"I think this win started when we lost the match in Galle," Tamim said. "We had a long chat with the coach, and the players stepped up."

Tamim was awarded the Man-of-the-Match award but the opener passed it on to Shakib.

Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim carried Bangladesh over the finishing line to seal the historic win.

"Obviously, it feels great. The bowlers did a great job – Mustafizur [Rahman] and Shakib's spells were outstanding on a flat track.

"It showed the character of the team. The boys really stepped up under pressure and there were lot of partnerships in the bowling. I really enjoyed it."

The win was Bangladesh’s second against a major Test-playing nation in the last five months after beating England at home.