Stokes takes last wickets to foil Bangladesh fairytale

(Reuters) - Paceman Ben Stokes picked up the two remaining wickets in three balls as England won the thrilling first test against Bangladesh at Chittagong by 22 runs on the final morning to keep their perfect record against the Asian side intact.

While England needed two wickets for their ninth test win against Bangladesh in as many matches, the hosts also had the chance of a famous victory, requiring 33 runs when they resumed on 253 for eight.

Debutant Sabbir Rahman (64 not out) and Taijul Islam (16) negotiated the first three overs safely, taking 10 runs off their target.

But Stokes trapped Taijul in front and England captain Alastair Cook successfully reviewed the umpire's not out decision to end the dogged ninth wicket stand of 25.

Bangladesh needed Sabbir back on strike but Stokes needed only two more deliveries to dismiss number 11 Shafiul Islam leg before. The batsman's attempt to review and overturn the decision proved futile and Bangladesh were all out for 263.

Stokes (2-20) was man of the match for his 85 in the second innings and four wickets in the first. Off-spinner Gareth Batty picked up three wickets for the touring side in the second innings.

The second and final test will be played in Dhaka from Friday.

(Reporting by Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai; editing by Peter Rutherford / Ian Ransom)