Bangladesh struggling to hold off India

India's Ishant Sharma claimed two wickets in the opening session of Thursday's final day to boost the visitors' victory hopes in the first test against Bangladesh. Bangladesh, chasing an unlikely winning target of 415, was 136-5 at lunch and faced a difficult task to stave off the India attack over the remaining two sessions.

India's winning chances received a boost shortly before lunch when Tamim Iqbal was out caught at slip by Rahul Dravid off the bowling of Virender Sehwag.

Night watchman Iqbal had scored 52 and was looming as the main hurdle to India's victory hopes. He compiled his runs in patient fashion, facing 122 balls and hitting six boundaries, before an ill-advised slash at a Sehwag short ball.

Resuming at 67-2, Bangladesh added 69 runs to the overnight score after play was delayed by 60 minutes due to fog.

Mohammad Ashraful (27) was the first player dismissed Thursday, edging a Sharma delivery to Dravid at second slip. Sharma (3-18) continued his tight bowling and trapped Raqibul Hasan lbw for 13.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan (11) and Mushfiqur Rahim (1) were the not-out batsmen at lunch.

Iqbal's 52 came off 122 balls and with six boundaries.