Ashraful century inspires Bangladesh fightback

COLOMBO, July 5 (Reuters) Captain Mohammad Ashraful led a Bangladesh fightback with an unbeaten 102 as the tourists reached 261 for five at tea on the third day of the second test against Sri Lanka today.

Bangladesh resumed on 69-4 in their second innings, needing to score 320 more to make Sri Lanka bat again, and lost just the one wicket during the first two sessions as Ashraful and Musfiqur Rahim (79 not out) compiled a record sixth-wicket 183-run stand.

Bangladesh still trail by 128 after Sri Lanka piled up 451 for six declared on the second day, but now have a chance of avoiding an innings defeat and taking the game into the fourth day.

The unbroken partnership, which spanned 55.1 overs, was the second highest in Bangladesh's test history, just four runs fewer than Habibul Bashar and Shariar Nafees' second-wicket stand against Australia in 2006.

Ashraful, under pressure after his team's poor performance thus far in the series, bounced back after a duck in the first innings with a responsible knock, curbing his natural inclination to attack.

The 22-year-old mixed patient defence with some delightful strokes during a fourth test century that has spanned 191 deliveries and included 15 boundaries.

Wicketkeeper Rahim provided solid support with his first fifty in test cricket.

Former captain Habibul Bashar (12) was the only casualty of the day, bowled by a fast yorker from pace bowler Dilhara Fernando, who was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-60 from 17 overs.

Bangladesh trail the three-match series 1-0 after losing the first game by an innings and 234 runs last week.

REUTERS HSB RK1558