BAN vs SL | Mushfiqur Rahim cracks scintillating ton as Bangladesh mounts lead

Seasoned Bangladesh campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim notched up his eighth Test hundred during the ongoing Test match against Sri Lanka. On Day 4, Rahim added another 52 runs to his overnight score of 53* as he formed a 165-run stand with Liton Das.

Rahim bulldozed the hapless Sri Lankan bowlers under extreme Chattogram heat to orchestrate sizeable first innings lead for his side. The senior batter attached himself to the pristine batting surface to score a patient 105 from 282 balls.

By the time of his dismissal, Bangladesh was already enjoying a 42-run lead over the touring Sri Lankan side.

The seasoned campaigner’s knock added with Liton Das’ 88 and opening batter Tamim Iqbal’s 133 propelled Bangladesh to 465 in their first innings. 

Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 397, with Angelo Matthews punching out a hardboiled 199 against the hosts. Now enjoying a 68-run lead, Bangladesh will be looking to bowl out Sri Lanka as early as possible to entertain their chances of a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

The Sri Lankan side’s ongoing two-Test tour of Bangladesh forms a part of the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship. A total of 24 points are up for grabs for both sides, who are currently languishing in the second half of the points table. Sri Lanka are placed at number 5, while Bangladesh is positioned at number 8.