Shakib smashes Bangladesh into final

Shakib Al Hasan's superb innings gave Bangladesh the bonus point win they needed

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Shakib Al Hasan hit an unbeaten 92 to lead Bangladesh to a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the triangular series in Mirpur, securing a place in Friday’s final.

With the game reduced to 31 overs a side due to fog, the hosts chose to field first and dismissed their opponents for 147 as debutant fast bowler Rubel Hossain took four wickets and Mashrafe Mortaza picked up three.

In reply, Shakib led the charge with an outstanding knock to help his side reach 151 for five and book a place in the series final - also against Sri Lanka.

Shakib came to the crease with the hosts struggling at 12 for three, following the early losses of openers Junaid Siddique (nought) and Tamim Iqbal (nine), both run out, and Mushfiqur Rahim (one), caught behind by Kumar Sangakkara off Thilan Thushara.

The 21-year-old hit 12 boundaries off 69 balls to inspire hope in his side. Mohammed Ashraful added 26 in a partnership of 91 before he hooked a short ball from Nuwan Kulasekara into the grateful hands of Sanath Jayasuriya.

By that point the hosts were looking comfortable at 103 for four and needing 45 off 35 balls for the bonus point to take them to the final.

Raqibul Hasan (three) was dispatched by Ajantha Mendis, but Naeem Islam hit a four and a six to secure the win.

Earlier, a half-century from Jayasuriya helped Sri Lanka recover from a poor start, but once he was dismissed Sri Lanka's innings fell apart.

Jayasuriya struck seven boundaries on his way to 54, hauling Sri Lanka out of trouble after Mortaza had enjoyed early success with the new ball.

Mortaza trapped opener Upul Tharanga (nought) on the third delivery of the day and then dismissed Sangakkara (nought) in his next over.

Jayasuriya and skipper Mahela Jayawardene (28) put on 71 runs for the third wicket before Jayawardene fell victim to Hossain.

Jayasuriya, who was dropped off the bowling off Mortaza when on 28, eventually fell to the same bowler when he held a return catch.

From 95 for four in 21 overs, Sri Lanka slipped to 147 all out in 30.3 overs.

Hossain finished with four for 33 from 5.3 overs, while Mortaza had three for 25 from seven.