In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim both scored centuries on the opening day of the 1st Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.
Their unbroken 247-run partnership for the fourth wicket not only rescued Bangladesh from a precarious 45 for 3 but also propelled them to a commanding 292 for 3 at stumps, firmly establishing their dominance in the match. This performance marked a strong start for Bangladesh in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.
Context of the Match
The 1st Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, part of the Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025, kicked off the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. Both teams entered the match looking to overcome recent struggles in red-ball cricket. Sri Lanka, coming off a 2-0 home defeat to Australia earlier in the year at Galle, fielded a squad with six uncapped players, signaling a transitional phase.
Bangladesh, under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, had managed only two international wins in 2025, reflecting a dip in form across formats. The match also held emotional weight for Sri Lanka, as it was part of the farewell series for veteran Angelo Mathews, who announced his retirement from Test cricket post-series.
The Galle International Stadium, renowned for its picturesque setting and spin-friendly pitches, presented an unusual surface on day one. While the pitch initially offered assistance to pacers, it flattened out as the day progressed, becoming more batsman-friendly than typical for Galle. The weather, warm and humid with a possibility of showers, added an element of uncertainty to the proceedings.
A Rocky Start for Bangladesh
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that seemed standard for Galle but quickly turned challenging. The Sri Lankan pace attack, led by Asitha Fernando and supported by Milan Rathnayake, exploited early conditions to devastating effect. Within the first hour, Bangladesh were reeling at 45 for 3.
Openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, along with Mominul Haque, fell cheaply, unable to counter the movement and bounce generated by the new ball. Fernando and debutant Tharindu Rathnayake shared the early wickets, putting Bangladesh under immense pressure.
The early collapse raised concerns about Bangladesh’s batting frailties, especially given their recent struggles. However, the stage was set for a remarkable fightback led by two of their most dependable batsmen.
The Turning Point: Shanto and Rahim’s Partnership
At 45 for 3, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim came together, tasked with stabilizing the innings. The duo faced a testing period initially, with the ball still offering some assistance to the bowlers. However, their contrasting styles—Shanto’s aggression and Rahim’s composure—complemented each other perfectly, laying the foundation for a historic partnership.
As the pitch eased out, the pair began to dominate. By tea, Bangladesh had reached 182 for 3, with Shanto on 70* and Rahim on 66*, having added 137 runs for the fourth wicket. The post-lunch session saw them score 92 runs without losing a wicket, a testament to their growing confidence and the flattening pitch.
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Aggressive Leadership
Shanto, leading Bangladesh for the first time in this series, played an innings that was both a captain’s knock and a statement of intent. His 136 not out off 260 balls included 14 fours and a six, reflecting a blend of caution and aggression. Shanto was particularly severe on the spinners, using his feet to get to the pitch of the ball and drive with elegance. His footwork against Prabath Jayasuriya and debutant Tharindu Rathnayake disrupted their lengths, allowing him to dominate the middle sessions.
A key moment came early in his innings when Shanto survived a close LBW appeal against Tharindu Rathnayake. The umpire’s decision was not out, and Sri Lanka’s failure to review proved costly, as replays suggested the ball might have clipped the leg stump. Shanto capitalized on the reprieve, reaching his sixth Test century—his second against Sri Lanka—off 194 balls with a boundary off Jayasuriya. His muted celebration underscored his focus on building a substantial total. Shanto’s 136* was his highest score as captain in Test cricket, highlighting his growing stature as a leader and batsman.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s Steady Anchor
Mushfiqur Rahim, with his vast experience, played the role of the anchor with perfection. His 105 not out off 186 balls included 5 fours, reflecting a more measured approach focused on accumulation. Rahim was particularly strong on the leg side, where he scored most of his runs. His ability to rotate the strike and absorb pressure allowed Shanto to play more freely, creating a balanced partnership.
A pivotal moment came when Rahim edged a delivery from Jayasuriya to slip, only for Dhananjaya de Silva to drop a straightforward catch. The reprieve proved costly, as Rahim went on to reach his 12th Test century, his fourth against Sri Lanka, off 175 balls. This milestone was historic, as it made him Bangladesh’s highest Test run-scorer in Sri Lanka, surpassing previous records.
The achievement was met with applause from the dressing room and the few Bangladesh supporters present. Rahim’s century was a testament to his resilience and ability to perform under pressure, reinforcing his status as one of Bangladesh’s greatest Test batsmen.
Record-Breaking Partnership
The 247-run partnership between Shanto and Rahim was the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s dominance. It set a new record for the highest fourth-wicket stand for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka in Test cricket, surpassing previous benchmarks. Additionally, it was the second-highest fourth-wicket partnership at Galle, underscoring the quality of their batting and the favorable conditions. The stand was also the highest for any wicket for Bangladesh at the venue, a remarkable achievement given their early struggles.
The partnership’s significance was amplified by the context of Bangladesh’s early collapse, making it a defining moment in the match.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Struggles
For Sri Lanka, the day began brightly but ended in frustration. The bowling attack, which looked threatening in the first hour, lost its edge as the pitch flattened out. Milan Rathnayake was the most economical, conceding just 19 runs in 12 overs, but the spinners—Prabath Jayasuriya and Tharindu Rathnayake—failed to make an impact. Jayasuriya, in particular, was expensive, finishing with figures of 0/86, while Tharindu struggled to find consistency on debut. The lack of penetration from the spinners, traditionally a strength at Galle, was a major concern for the hosts.
Sri Lanka tried various tactics, including bowling around the wicket and varying their pace, but Shanto and Rahim were equal to the challenge. The dropped catch of Rahim and the missed review against Shanto compounded their woes, leaving the bowlers deflated by stumps.
Statistical Highlights
- Shanto’s Milestone: His 136* is his highest score as a Test captain and his sixth Test century against Sri Lanka.
- Rahim’s Record: His fourth century against Sri Lanka made him the Bangladeshi with the most Test centuries against them, and he became Bangladesh’s highest Test run-scorer in Sri Lanka.
- Team Achievement: Bangladesh’s 292/3 is their highest total on day one in Galle.
- Partnership Record: The 247* stand is the highest for any wicket for Bangladesh at Galle and the highest fourth-wicket partnership for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka.
Looking Ahead
As the sun set on day one, Bangladesh were firmly in control, with Shanto and Rahim still at the crease. The visitors will aim to extend their lead further on day two, targeting a substantial first-innings total that could put Sri Lanka under pressure. The pitch is expected to deteriorate, potentially favoring spinners, but Bangladesh’s batsmen have already demonstrated their ability to adapt. For Sri Lanka, the challenge is to regroup and find early breakthroughs, with their spinners needing to step up to break this formidable partnership.
The 1st Test in of Galle the will first be day remembered for the resilience and skill displayed by Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim. Their centuries not only rescued Bangladesh from a tricky situation but also put them in a position of strength. As the match progresses, all eyes will be on how Bangladesh can capitalize on this advantage and whether Sri Lanka can mount a comeback. For now, the visitors have sent a strong message in the World Test Championship, with Shanto and Rahim leading the charge.
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