Murali magic puts Sri Lanka in control

Sri Lanka Cricket / Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a Comment

Sri Lanka ended day one of the first Test against Bangladesh in Colombo in a dominant position after Muttiah Muralitharan took five wickets to help dismiss the tourists for 89.

'Murali' did not take long to get into the swing of things when introduced in the 18th over and he had Rajin Saleh trapped in front with just his fifth delivery before dismissing Al Hasan, top scorer with 16, in similar fashion to leave the leave the tourists in trouble at 61 for six.

He then claimed his 58th five-wicket haul in Test cricket with three quick dismissals after the lunch interval to finish with figures of 5-15 off 7.3 overs.

Dilhara Fernando claimed three wickets, while Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga chipped in with a wicket apiece as Bangladesh were all out in 32.3 overs.

Bangladesh were given some hope at the start of the Sri Lankan reply, with debutant Malinda Warnapura out lbw to the first ball of the innings and Kumar Sangakkara edging behind to reduce the hosts to 14-2.

However, a partnership of 173 between Michael Vandoort (87 not out) and Mahela Jayawardene (retired hurt on 93) put the home side in control.

Chamara Silva did not last long but Tillakatne Dilshan crashed a quick-fire 27 to steer the side to 227-3 at the close - a lead of 138.

Punters appear to believe that this contest is all over bar the shouting with Sri Lanka overwhelming 1.04 favourites to complete the formalities.

Those expecting some sort of miracle for the tourists can still get 60, while a draw is available at 21.

It has not been the best of starts for Mohammad Ashraful to his reign as captain and he will certainly expect an improved showing throughout the rest of the three-match series, although series-winner market has yet to develop.

Bangladesh's best chance for glory is likely to come when the three-match one-day international series gets underway on July 20, a market for which will open up nearer the time.