BOGRA, Bangladesh, Mar 10 (Reuters) Muttiah Muralitharan claimed his 600th test wicket to ease Sri Lanka towards a 2-0 series victory over Bangladesh on the third day of the second and final test today.
Sri Lanka dismissed Bangladesh for 201 in their second innings before reaching 77 without loss at stumps. Openers Michael Vandort (22) and Upul Tharanga (48) will resume tomorrow needing another 43 runs for victory.
Bangladesh were skittled just after tea with three wickets apiece for Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Malinga, and two each for Muralitharan and Malinga Bandara.
Muralitharan, playing in his 101st test, joined Australia's Shane Warne, who holds the world record with 659 dismissals, as the only players to reach the landmark when he had Khaled Mashud caught at square leg for six.
Paying tribute to Warne, Muralitharan said: ''I think he is the number one bowler and he has proved it taking 650-odd wickets.'' ''There is no competition between him and me, it is hard to catch him - he is four years senior to me.
''Who will play longer will have the record. It depends how things go,'' Muralitharan told reporters.
Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore said he was not satisfied with the umpiring in the match.
''I have some very strong feelings, not just about this match, but the whole series. I will convey it (to the ICC) through proper channels,'' Whatmore told reporters.
Bangladesh's cause would have been worse but for a solid knock of 73 from skipper Habibul Bashar, who added 52 with Mohammad Rafique after the home side had slumped to 110 for six.
Bashar was trapped lbw by Malinga.
Rafique's 64, his third test fifty, entertained local spectators with three sixes and six fours.
Earlier, Sri Lanka added 14 runs to their overnight total of 302 for eight. Opener Thuranga's 444-minute innings of 165 was ended by Shahadat Hossein who finished with 5-86 - his first five-wicket haul in tests.
Bangladesh made 234 in their first innings.
REUTERS AY BS1916
Sri Lanka dismissed Bangladesh for 201 in their second innings before reaching 77 without loss at stumps. Openers Michael Vandort (22) and Upul Tharanga (48) will resume tomorrow needing another 43 runs for victory.
Bangladesh were skittled just after tea with three wickets apiece for Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Malinga, and two each for Muralitharan and Malinga Bandara.
Muralitharan, playing in his 101st test, joined Australia's Shane Warne, who holds the world record with 659 dismissals, as the only players to reach the landmark when he had Khaled Mashud caught at square leg for six.
Paying tribute to Warne, Muralitharan said: ''I think he is the number one bowler and he has proved it taking 650-odd wickets.'' ''There is no competition between him and me, it is hard to catch him - he is four years senior to me.
''Who will play longer will have the record. It depends how things go,'' Muralitharan told reporters.
Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore said he was not satisfied with the umpiring in the match.
''I have some very strong feelings, not just about this match, but the whole series. I will convey it (to the ICC) through proper channels,'' Whatmore told reporters.
Bangladesh's cause would have been worse but for a solid knock of 73 from skipper Habibul Bashar, who added 52 with Mohammad Rafique after the home side had slumped to 110 for six.
Bashar was trapped lbw by Malinga.
Rafique's 64, his third test fifty, entertained local spectators with three sixes and six fours.
Earlier, Sri Lanka added 14 runs to their overnight total of 302 for eight. Opener Thuranga's 444-minute innings of 165 was ended by Shahadat Hossein who finished with 5-86 - his first five-wicket haul in tests.
Bangladesh made 234 in their first innings.
REUTERS AY BS1916
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