Former captain Mohammad Ashraful led Bangladesh’s fightback on his return to international cricket by hitting an unbeaten half-century on Saturday after Sri Lanka declared on 570-4 on the second day of the first Test.
Ashraful scored 65 as the hosts reached 135-2 at Galle International Stadium by stumps, still trailing by 435 and needing a further 236 to avoid the follow-on after Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal hit unbeaten maiden Test centuries for Sri Lanka.
Ashraful is Bangladesh’s most capped player with 58 Tests and was playing his first Test since 2011.
The tourists lost opener Jahurul Islam for 20 when a bouncer from Shaminda Eranga hit his glove and went through to wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal before tea. Ajantha Mendis bowled Anamul Haque for 13 with the total on 65-2.
