Mushfiq, Liton partnership helps Tigers’ reach 500

Bangladesh declared their first innings on 541 for 7, having batted for 90 minutes in the first session. They picked up the pace slightly, adding 67 runs in 18 overs, losing Liton Das, who made 50 off 67 balls, as well as Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam. Mushfiqur Rahim was unbeaten on 68 off 156 balls, with six fours. 

Mushfiqur Rahim was unbeaten on 55 at the other end as Mehedi Miraz came into bat after Liton's departure. Play started early this morning to make up for time lost to bad light on Thursday. Liton and Mushfiqur were diligent against the swing that likes of Suranga Lakmal extracted in the early morning. Liton Das, who completed a half century this morning in the first session of day three against Sri Lanka on Friday, was the first wicket to fall in the first session as the Tigers crossed 500-run mark. Liton played one slightly away from his body and a thick outside edge went straight to gully as Vishwa Fernando got his third wicket of the innings. Liton departed after a 67-ball 50, laced with five fours and a six. He and Mushfiqur added 85 for the fifth wicket.

Bangladesh's innings was built around centuries from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque, while Tamim Iqbal got 90. Shanto's maiden century went up to 163 runs, while Mominul reached his first overseas century. It was also the third time that Bangladesh had five players getting 50-plus scores.