Mirpur: Bangladesh short 107 of pulling off the most miraculous of chases as Sri Lanka clawed back after lunch to seal a victory which they had taken for granted after declaring in the second innings. Mohammad Ashraful resisted with a hundred, and a 111-run stand between Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, gave the Sri Lankans a mighty scare. The game was still wide open, with Bangladesh needing 118 and Shakib and Mushfiqur going strong, until a double-strike by Dammika Prasad broke not only the partnership but several hearts across the expectant crowd who hoped for the best new year's gift they could have asked for.

Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful hit an impressive 101 (193b, 16x4) and Shakib Al Hasan a career-best 96 (212b, 7x4) to frustrate Sri Lanka on the fifth and final day of the opening Test on Wednesday.

It was Bangladesh's highest total against Sri Lanka in 11 Tests, the previous best being 328 in Colombo in 2001. Mushfiqur Rahim was the other not-out batsman at the break on 40 as the hosts added 119 to their overnight total of 254/5 for the loss of just one wicket. Shakib declared player of the match.

Breif Score: Sri Lanka 293 and 405 for 6 dec beat Bangladesh 178 and 413 (Ashraful 101, Shakib 96, Mushfiqur 61) by 107 runs.