Shanto, Rahim centuries put Tigers in commanding spot after Day 1 at Galle

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

The 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle began on a high note from Bangladesh as centuries from skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim guided the visitors to 292 for the loss of three wickets at Stumps on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, Galle. After a slow start, the pair took on the Lankan bowling unit.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh’s innings began by losing Anamul Haque for a duck in the fifth over to Asitha Fernando. Soon after, Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque were dismissed in quick succession by debutant Tharindu Rathnayake. But from that point onwards, both the Shanto-Rahim duo stabilized the innings and stitched an unbeaten 247-run stand, as they are supposed to resume on the next morning as well.

Bangladesh’s skipper anchored the innings with a brilliant 136* off 260 balls, making it his sixth Test century and second against Sri Lanka. His inning was laced with 14 boundaries and a six. At the other end, Mushfiqur Rahim, who was playing his 18th Test match against Sri Lanka, ensured to take his team out of the tricky situation.

The experienced right-handed batter brought up his 12th Test ton, which was laced with ground strokes all around the park. The veteran remained unbeaten on 105 off 186 balls. The Lankan Lions, despite trying five different bowlers, struggled to break the partnership. Debutant Rathnayake impressed with his opening spell by picking up two wickets.

At 292/3, the visiting team would be hoping to add more to that on Day 2. Considering the average first-inning score at Galle being around 400, Bangladesh will be heavily dependent on the set duo to pile up more runs and give them an upper hand. The side will be happy to still have half of their batters left and add those crucial runs. For the hosts, they would be disappointed after failing to capitalize on a good start. However, they would look to pick few early wickets on the second day and ensure to restrict the opposition to surpass the 350-run mark.

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