Mohammad Ashraful scored his fifth Test century and Shakib Al Hasan was out four runs short of his first as Bangladesh courageously chased 521, but lost to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh were eventually dismissed for 413 on the final day of the first Test in Mirpur to lose by 107 runs, but their bold attempt on the intimidating target would have given them a great deal of heart and showed the cricket world that they are making significant strides.

Captain Ashraful, who has endured some indifferent form over the last year and who has been criticised for losing his wicket too many times after getting a start, made 101 from 193 deliveries before he was trapped lbw by veteran left-arm swing bowler Chaminda Vaas.

Left-hander Shakib, who claimed 5-70 in Sri Lanka’s first innings and who continues to impress with his left-arm spin, demonstrated his all-round skills by putting a stand of 112 with his captain.

Shakib batted for 13 minutes short of five hours as he also proved his ability to stay at the wicket in tense conditions. He added a partnership of 111 with wicketkeeper Mushfique Rahim (61) until Bangladesh were eventually bowled out.

Sri Lanka’s legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan followed his 6-49 in the first innings with four more victims in the second for 4-141 from 48 overs to claim his 22nd ten-wicket haul in a Test match.

Sri Lanka’s win was set up, aside from Murali’s wickets, by a classy 166 – in six and a half hours - by captain Mahela Jayawardene as Sri Lanka racked up 405-6 declared in their second innings.

The second and final Test begins on Saturday in Chittagong before a three-match tri-nation one-day series also involving Zimbabwe.