Shanto, Mushfiqur Hit Centuries as Bangladesh Crushes Sri Lanka’s Hopes

Gal: On the basis of an unbroken partnership of 247 runs for the fourth wicket between Nazmul Hussain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh scored 293 runs for three wickets on the opening day of the first Test match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. With this, he strengthened his position. At the end of the day's play, captain Shanto was present at the crease with 136 and Mushfiqur with 105 runs.

Shanto and Mushfiqur's partnership started when Bangladesh was in a difficult situation after losing three wickets for 45 runs. Both of them made the biggest partnership for the fourth wicket for Bangladesh in Test matches against Sri Lanka. Earlier this record was in the name of Liton Das and Mominul Haque since 2018 who had a partnership of 180 runs.

Sri Lanka had a great start to the day

Sri Lanka had earlier started the day brilliantly when Asitha Fernando dismissed Inamul Haque without opening the account, after which debutant off-spinner Tharindu Ratnayake took two wickets and dismissed openers Shadman Islam (14) and Mominul Haque (29). Shanto then batted responsibly and played aggressive shots on weak balls. He has hit 14 fours and a six in his innings so far.

Mushfiqur Rahim also found rhythm

From the other end, Mushfiqur was also successful in finding rhythm. This experienced wicketkeeper batsman, who failed to score a single half-century in the last 13 innings, scored the 12th century of his Test career with the help of five fours. Shanto and Mushfiqur did not give any chance to the Sri Lankan bowlers to take wickets in the second and third sessions of the day. To break this partnership, Sri Lanka decided to take a new ball as soon as 80 overs were completed, but that too did not help.

Lahiru Udara also made his debut

Apart from Ratnayake, Sri Lanka has given opener Lahiru Udara a chance to debut in this match, while this is the 119th and last match of his former captain Angelo Matthews' Test career. This match is the first match of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle. In the final of the last cycle played recently at Lord's, South Africa defeated Australia and won this title for the first time.