Murali takes 600th wicket as Bangladesh toil

BOGRA, Bangladesh, March 10 (Reuters) Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan became the second player to take 600 scalps in tests as Bangladesh struggled to 162 for seven at tea on the third day of the second and final test today.

Murali dismissed Khaled Mashud (6) as the hosts struggled in their second innings after Upul Thuranga's maiden test century (165) helped Sri Lanka to 316 and a lead of 82 runs.

Murali, Lasith Malinga and Malinga Bandara shared two wickets each with Dilhara Fernando chipping in with one.

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 they had slumped to 110 for six. Bashar was trapped lbw by Malinga.

Rafique (39) entertained local spectators with three sixes and two fours and was unbeaten with Shahdat Hossain (0) at the interval.

Earlier, Sri Lanka added 14 runs to their overnight total of 302 for eight with Thuranga's 444-minute vigil ended by Shahadat Hossein, who finished with 5-86 for his first five-wicket haul in tests.

REUTERS PM DS1436