Colombo: Bangladesh slumped to an innings and 234-run defeat in the first Test on Thursday with Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan claiming a match haul of nine for 102.
Bangladesh's top order had resisted bravely on the third day but collapsed spectacularly at the start of the fourth, losing their five remaining wickets in just 4.4 overs. Bowled out for 89 in their first innings, Bangladesh lost their last seven wickets for 27 runs to be bowled out for 254 in 87.1 overs.
Muralitharan was named the Man of the Match, snaring four for 87 from 36.1 overs to follow his five for 15 in the first innings. The 35-year-old off-spinner increased his career haul to 683 Test wickets, closing in on Shane Warne's world record tally of 708.
Muralitharan was supported by fast bowler Lasith Malinga who started the day with a searing yorker that uprooted the middle stump of wicket-keeper Khaled Mashud (one).
Malinga followed up with the wickets of Saqibul Hasan (eight), who was caught at short cover, and then deceived Mohammad Raffique (nought) with a slower ball. Malinga finished with four for 80 from 17 overs.
Muralitharan wrapped up the game as Shahadat Hossain (one) was stumped by Prasanna Jayawardene.
The second Test in the three-match series starts on July 3 at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - Reuters)