Al Hasan inspires Tigers fightback

Shakib Al Hasan claimed three wickets as Bangladesh staged a fightback on day one of the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Mirpur.

A 95-run second-wicket partnership between Michael Vandort and Kumar Sangakkara had hinted at a dominant position for the tourists in the second session.

But Al Hasan and Shahadat Hossain, with two wickets, struck as the hosts reduced their opponents to 172 for six before bad light brought an early close.

Heavy fog at Shere Bangla National Stadium had delayed the start by almost two hours before Sri Lanka won the toss.

Malinda Warnapura was an early victim when Mashrafe Mortaza trapped him lbw, but Vandort and Sangakkara then saw Sri Lanka through to lunch before apparently taking control in the afternoon.

However, with half-centuries seemingly on the cards for the two left-handers, Al Hasan broke the partnership with a full delivery which Sangakkara chipped to Mohammad Ashraful at midwicket.

Vandort followed three overs later, mistiming pace bowler Hossain to Al Hasan at midwicket.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene lost his off-stump to Al Hasan for only three, and Sri Lanka had stuttered to 139 for four at tea.

In the final session, Tillakaratne Dilshan was bowled between bat and pad by Al Hasan before Prasanna Jayawardene was caught at fine-leg by Tamim Iqbal off Hossain.