Sharma jolts Bangladesh with double strike

Ishant Sharma rocked Bangladesh with two quick wickets to strengthen India's chances of winning the opening Test on the fifth and final day on Thursday.

The fast bowler removed Mohammad Ashraful and Raqibul Hasan in a lively opening spell as Bangladesh struggled to reach 136-5 in their second innings at lunch while chasing an unlikely 415-run target.

Part-time off-spinner Virender Sehwag claimed a big wicket when he had well-set opener Tamim Iqbal (52) caught by Rahul Dravid in the slips in his second over just before the interval.

Iqbal was the lone batsman to offer resistance, executing handsome shots during his 122-ball knock. He reached his third Test half-century in style, reverse-sweeping leg-spinner Amit Mishra for his sixth four.

Bangladesh's hopes of saving the match suffered a setback when they lost two wickets in the opening 12 overs after resuming at 67-2.

Sharma struck in the day's fourth over when he had Ashraful caught by Dravid, who dived to his left to hold a low catch at second slip. The batsman could add only 11 to his overnight score of 16.

Raqibul (13) was beaten by the movement before being trapped leg-before by Sharma, leaving his team struggling at 97-4.

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan was unbeaten on 11 at the break with wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim (one).

The second and final Test will start in Dhaka on January 24.