Mushfiqur stars with 175no as Bangladesh set new Test first

Mushfiqur Rahim's unbeaten 175 helped Bangladesh move into a strong position in the second Test against Sri Lanka, despite a fightback led by visiting captain Dimuth Karunaratne on the second day in Mirpur.

Mushfiqur and Litton Das (141) scored all but 49 of Bangladesh's runs in its total of 365, combining for a record sixth-wicket partnership of 272 runs.

The hosts had been reeling at 5-24 when they came together.

Bangladesh had six batters dismissed for ducks – making it the first time in Test history that an innings had featured six ducks and two centuries.

After being all out for 365 shortly after lunch, Bangladedesh then took only two wickets in nearly two sessions as Sri Lanka fought back to trail by 222 runs at stumps.

Karunaratne was not out on 70, having shared a 95-run stand with Oshada Fernando (57) for the opening wicket as a disciplined Bangladesh attack struggled to get any assistance from the pitch.

Fernando reviewed successfully to overturn an lbw appeal when on four in the first over of the innings, while Karunaratne could have gone for 37 had skipper Mominul Haque not dropped him at short square-leg.

Pacer Ebadot Hossain (1-31) broke through with the wicket of Fernando, who edged a length delivery to slip soon after reaching his fifth half-century.

Just before stumps, left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan (1-19) gave Bangladesh another breakthrough, trapping Kusal Mendis lbw for 11.

Mendis had returned to join the team after being hospitalised with chest pains on Monday.

Bangladesh began the day on 5-277 and Kusan Rajitha struck in the eighth over, having Litton caught at second slip to end his long stand with Mushfiqur.

Litton praised former South Africa batter Ashwell Prince, the side's former batting coach, for his influence that has seen him score 506 runs in six Tests in 2022.

"I know now the pattern of Test cricket, how long I should bat to get big runs. What he (Ashwell) explained to me, really helped me. I still follow those words," Litton said after play.

"When I used to see (my statistics), I saw that I was on the backfoot. There was a challenge to move forward. I no longer see (my statistics) because I am more focused on going ahead. I don't know how far I can go," he said.

"I have changed my training method. I think it is best left untold. It stays in the back of my mind that my team wants me to play a big innings. It helps me knowing that the team depends on me."

Rajitha struck again three balls later, securing his first five-wicket haul in a Test innings by getting Mosaddek Hossain (0) caught behind to a delivery that moved slightly.

Khaled Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain also made ducks, though the latter used up 20 deliveries.

Rajitha, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, found his way into the side as a concussion substitute in the first Test, taking 4-60 in Chattogram before backing it up with the five-wicket haul in Mirpur.

"I did a lot of practice and rehab with the physios and trainers. I had a lot of injuries in the past. I did a lot of rehab in the past 18 months. I think that's the reason I am here, and performing well," he said.

"I played in domestic matches before this tour. I did well there, which gave me confidence. I am very happy for my personal best. I think I did my basics. I hit the line and length in both matches."

Bangladesh's captain was at the crease for 527 minutes and played 355 balls for a knock that included 21 boundaries. It was his fourth highest score in Tests.