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Bangladesh Recover Strongly After Early Wickets on Day 1 in Galle
Bangladesh dominated the opening day of their Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle, thanks to a sensational unbeaten 247-run stand for the fourth wicket between captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (136*) and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (105*). After losing three early wickets for just 45 runs, the pair staged a remarkable recovery, guiding Bangladesh to 292/3 at Stumps on Day 1.
The Test also marks the final appearance of Sri Lanka’s stalwart Angelo Mathews, adding emotional weight to the occasion. Shanto won the toss and chose to bat first on a surface expected to favor spin later in the match.
Early Struggles Against Sri Lankan Attack
The Bangladesh innings began with a flourish from Shadman Islam, who flicked stylishly for the opening boundary. However, his partner Anamul Haque departed early for a 10-ball duck, caught behind off a tentative poke.
Sri Lanka turned to spin early, with Tharindu Rathnayake introduced in the eighth over. Mominul Haque tried to counter with sweeps but had a close call when a thick edge off Tharindu was dropped by Dhananjaya de Silva in the slips. The off-spinner eventually struck when Shadman edged to de Silva, who held on this time. Soon after, Mominul fell too, edging to slip again, giving Rathnayake his second wicket.
At this point, Bangladesh was reeling at 45/3, prompting the entry of Shanto and Rahim.
Shanto-Rahim Partnership Anchors Bangladesh
Under pressure, Shanto and Rahim came together in the 17th over and never looked back. Shanto’s footwork against spin was exemplary—dancing down the track with confidence and regularly finding the gaps through and over cover. Rahim played a more measured role, using deft touches and sharp placement to rotate strike.
The pair added vital runs heading into the Lunch break and resumed with even more purpose afterward. Rahim took on Asitha Fernando, striking boundaries through square and fine-leg, while Shanto handled spin with remarkable control. Their 100-run stand came up swiftly, as both batters brought up their respective half-centuries in consecutive deliveries.
Related: Latest updates on Bangladesh Cricket Team
Double Centurions Power Through the Afternoon Session
The second session saw Bangladesh score 92 runs without losing a wicket. Shanto was particularly dominant, cutting and pulling with elegance. One notable shot was a crisp cut past slip that brought up the 200 for Bangladesh. Despite trying varied lines and angles, Sri Lankan bowlers failed to break the rhythm of the well-set duo.
Sri Lanka attempted a defensive line strategy by bowling outside leg-stump to Shanto, but the captain responded with innovative sweeps and placed shots behind square. He soon reached his sixth Test century, celebrating with a flurry of boundaries. Rahim, not to be left behind, brought up his 12th Test hundred just before the day’s end.
Sri Lankan Bowlers Toil Without Reward
Sri Lanka’s bowling unit, which surprisingly featured only five bowlers, had a tough outing. Tharindu Rathnayake bowled tirelessly for figures of 2-124, while Prabath Jayasuriya couldn’t find his usual rhythm. Asitha Fernando managed one wicket but leaked runs in key spells.
The relentless partnership between Shanto and Rahim not only stabilized Bangladesh’s innings but also placed them in a dominant position heading into Day 2.
Score Summary at Stumps – Day 1
Bangladesh 292/3 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 136*, Mushfiqur Rahim 105*; Tharindu Rathnayake 2-124, Asitha Fernando 1-51)
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Match Context: First Test vs Sri Lanka, Angelo Mathews’ farewell match
The Day 1 heroics of Shanto and Rahim have put Bangladesh firmly in control. With more batting to come and a pitch likely to deteriorate, the visitors have a golden opportunity to post a massive first-innings total and apply scoreboard pressure on Sri Lanka.
For detailed stats and live updates, visit ESPNcricinfo
