Day 5, Lunch: Mushfiqur runs himself out one short of fifty as rain halts play

Veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim was run out just one run short of what would have been his 28th Test fifty, shortly before rain brought a halt to play on the final day of Bangladesh's first Test against hosts Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium today.

Bangladesh reached 237 for four in 76 overs in their second innings, extending their lead to 247 runs. Lunch was subsequently taken, as rain prevented play from resuming during the morning session.

Mushfiqur appeared slightly nervous as he approached the milestone. Attempting to push a delivery from Prabath Jayasuriya towards mid-on for a quick single to reach his fifty, he was undone by sharp fielding and a direct hit from Tharindu Rathnayake. The decision was confirmed after the umpires referred it to the third official.

He was dismissed for 49 off 102 balls, handing Sri Lanka a key breakthrough that ended a 109-run fourth-wicket partnership with Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who remains unbeaten on 89.

As Mushfiqur's dismissal was confirmed, the rain began to fall heavily, prompting players and umpires to dash off the field while the ground staff quickly covered the pitch.