Sri Lanka were poised for victory in the first Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur despite meeting unexpected resistance on Tuesday.
Having set the home side an improbable 521 to win, Sri Lanka had high hopes of finishing off a Bangladesh side which made just 178 in their first innings.
But bolstered by skipper Mohammad Ashraful's stubborn 70 not out, the hosts closed day four on 254 for five - 267 shy of their target.
Master spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was the pick of the Sri Lanka attack, claiming three for 85.
He could not get the better of Ashraful, though, after he came to the crease with his side wobbling on 124 for three.
The 24-year-old reached his eighth Test half-century and was undefeated at stumps after facing 153 balls and hitting 11 fours.
Although his was the largest contribution, nearly all the Bangladesh batsmen chipped in.
Opener Tamim Iqbal made 47, Junaid Siddique 37, Raqibul Hasan 24 and Mehrab Hossain Jr 23.
Ashraful also received useful support from Shakib Al Hasan (34no), with the pair having put on an unbroken 74 for the sixth wicket.
Earlier, Mahela Jayawardene hit a magnificent 166 as Sri Lanka added 114 runs to their overnight score before declaring on 405 for six.
