SL vs BAN, 1st Test: Shanto-Mushfiqur Puts Bangladesh In Control Vs Sri Lanka

SL vs BAN, 1st Test: Shanto-Mushfiqur Puts Bangladesh In Control Vs Sri Lanka

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Last Updated: June 17, 2025, 20:17 IST

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim's unbroken 247-run partnership put Bangladesh at 293/3 against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 1st Test Day 1: Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim (AP)

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim combined for an unbroken 247-run partnership, putting Bangladesh in a dominant position at 293/3 on the first day of the opening test against Sri Lanka.

Shanto and Mushfiqur came together at a precarious 45/3 and forged the highest fourth-wicket stand for Bangladesh in tests against Sri Lanka, surpassing the 180-run partnership by Litton Das and Mominul Haque in 2018.

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This partnership thwarted a strong start for Sri Lanka, as debutant off-spinner Tharindu Ratnayake claimed two early wickets for the hosts.

Captain Shanto led by example, pouncing on any loose deliveries to score his seventh test century. He remained unbeaten on 136, an innings that included 14 well-timed boundaries and a six, consistently presenting the full face of the bat.

At the other end, the experienced Mushfiqur ended a run of 13 innings without a fifty. He had a close call when a miscued pull on 25 was dropped at midwicket, a mistake that proved costly for Sri Lanka. By the close of play, Mushfiqur was unbeaten on 105, having achieved his 12th test century with just five boundaries.

“I was coming into this game after a lean patch. When you have a long career like mine, that can happen," Mushfiqur said. “Once I got a start, I tried to capitalise and was very happy to end up with a hundred."

Bangladesh won the toss, and despite early setbacks, the fourth-wicket pair batted through both the post-lunch and post-tea sessions without giving any chances.

Sri Lanka, eager to break the partnership, took the second new ball as soon as it was available. However, the fresh shine and seam were not enough to disrupt the two seasoned batters.

Sri Lanka awarded two test caps in the first match of the new World Test Championship cycle: 31-year-old opener Lahiru Udara and ambidextrous spinner Ratnayake.

“Everyone knew I would soon be turning 30, and that’s not typically the age selectors choose for a test debut," Ratnayake said. “I was very happy to get two wickets in the first session, but after lunch, it was tough as the pitch became flat and conducive for batting."

This match also marks the final test appearance for former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews, who is playing his 119th and last test.

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The match at Galle is the first of the 2025-2027 cycle of the World Test Championship, starting just days after South Africa clinched the title for the first time with a win over defending champions Australia at Lord’s over the weekend.

(With inputs from AP)

About the Author Ritayan Basu Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov... Read More Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov... Read More

Location : Galle

First Published: June 17, 2025, 20:17 IST

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