Bangladesh batsmen frustated the Sri Lankan bowlers, finishing on 233/5 at the end of day 3.
The two openers Javed Omar and Shahriar Nafees got on to a brilliant start in a 86-run partnership for the first wicket. Nafees hit 38 before falling to a Muralitharan delivery caught by Murali himself. Bangladesh made sure that they didn’t lose wickets at regular intervals unlike their first innings when they were bowled out for a paltry 89. Partially helped by a no-ball filled poor balling by the Sri Lankans, Bangladesh clearly dominated in the pre-lunch session.
Both Omar and middle order batsman Rajin Saleh hit half centuries. Saleh was finally removed just one run after making his 50, by Tillekaratne Dilshan caught by Mahela Jayawardene at slip. It was a breakthrough that Sri Lanka much needed.
Murali then struck with his spin picking up the wicket of Captain Mohammed Ashraful on 37. This takes his wicket tally up to 681, only 27 short of passing the world record made by Shane Warne.
Vaas and Malinga, after a continous shower of no-balls in the first session, came back strong later in the day by taking one wicket each.
Bangladesh now have to make 255 to avoid an innings defeat. The Test still has two days left, but unpredictable weather could be a factor, so the Sri Lankans might look to finish off on day 4 itself. On the other hand, the Bangladeshis have made a good fightback after their awful performance in the first innings, and will look to continue the same form.
== Sri Lanka Cricket == 