Bangladesh ended Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on a commanding note, posting 292 for 3 at stumps after overcoming early setbacks and showcasing maturity in their middle order. It was a day of resilience and revival as the tourists recovered from a shaky start to take control of proceedings thanks to a monumental partnership between captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first on a traditionally spin-friendly surface, Bangladesh knew the importance of putting up a solid first innings total. However, things didn’t start as they would have hoped. Openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan failed to settle into any rhythm, and the Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Kasun Rajitha and Vishwa Fernando, made early inroads. Joy was the first to fall, caught behind for 2, while Zakir soon followed for 12. The early jitters were compounded further when Litton Das was dismissed for just 10, leaving Bangladesh in trouble at 57 for 3.
But what followed was a remarkable display of composure and control from two of Bangladesh’s most experienced batters. Shanto, leading the side with increasing confidence, found an able ally in Mushfiqur Rahim, and together the pair stitched a brilliant unbeaten partnership that not only bailed the team out of trouble but turned the momentum completely in their favour.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto played one of the finest innings of his Test career, remaining unbeaten on 136 by stumps. His innings was a blend of patience, timing, and well-calculated aggression. He was particularly strong on the back foot and looked in control against both pace and spin. Shanto’s knock included 14 boundaries, and he hardly put a foot wrong throughout the day.
At the other end, Mushfiqur Rahim added yet another significant chapter to his illustrious career. The veteran right-hander brought up his 12th Test hundred, remaining not out on 105. Rahim’s innings was a study in patience and experience. Having entered the game on the brink of surpassing Mohammad Ashraful’s record for most Test runs by a Bangladeshi batter in Sri Lanka, Rahim not only achieved that feat but did so in emphatic fashion. His partnership with Shanto, worth 247 runs by stumps, was Bangladesh’s highest for the fourth wicket against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, would be disappointed with how their day unfolded after a promising start. Their bowlers looked potent in the first session but struggled for breakthroughs once the partnership settled. Spin was expected to play a major role at Galle, but Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis found little assistance on Day 1, and Bangladesh capitalised by rotating strike and punishing the loose deliveries.
Heading into Day 2, Bangladesh will look to build on their strong foundation and post a mammoth first innings total. With both Shanto and Rahim well set and a long batting order to follow, the visitors have a golden opportunity to put Sri Lanka under pressure early in the series.
This performance marks a statement of intent from Bangladesh, especially in foreign conditions, and sets the tone for what promises to be an intriguing Test match in Galle.
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