Bangladesh finished Day One of their opening Test against hosts Sri Lanka in a commanding position on Tuesday, largely owing to magnificent, unbeaten centuries from veteran Mushfiqur Rahim and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto. The pair's remarkable partnership rescued the Tigers from a precarious early situation, propelling them to a strong total of 292/3 after the end of day's play at the Galle International Stadium.
After finding themselves reeling at 45 for three, Mushfiqur and Shanto steadied the innings with a monumental 247-run fourth-wicket stand. This record-breaking partnership for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka surpassed the previous best of 180 runs set by Litton Das and Mominul Haque.
Mushfiqur, displaying immense grit, brought up his 12th Test hundred – his first in 14 innings – off 176 deliveries, including just five boundaries. This marks his third century against Sri Lanka, a ground where he famously scored a double ton in 2013. The milestone also signals a welcome return to form for Mushfiqur, whose last Test century came against Pakistan in Rawalpindi last year.
Skipper Shanto was equally impressive, reaching his sixth Test century – his second against Sri Lanka – in 202 balls. He had already secured his fifth Test half-century, with Mushfiqur following suit shortly after with his 28th Test fifty, and his first in 14 innings. Their combined efforts have put Bangladesh firmly in the driver's seat.
The decision to bat first at the historically batsman-friendly Galle International Stadium, after Shanto won the toss, initially appeared ill-judged by Bangladesh's top order.
Anamul Haque Bijoy, making his return to Test cricket, departed for a 10-ball duck, caught behind attempting to drive a wide delivery from Asitha Fernando. Debutant off-spinner Tharindu Rathnayake then made a quick impact, dismissing Shadman Islam (14 off 53) with an excellent delivery and then Mominul Haque (29 off 33), who, despite a lifeline, fell attempting an overly aggressive shot.
At 45 for three, Bangladesh looked vulnerable. However, the incoming duo of Shanto and Mushfiqur, after an initial period of attacking intent against Rathnayake, settled into a more measured approach. They successfully saw out the session to lunch, reaching 90/3, with Shanto on 25 and Mushfiqur on 20, setting the stage for their dominant post-lunch partnership.
Notably, this Test also marks the farewell appearance in Test cricket for veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews, whose distinguished 15-year career concludes at the very venue where it began.
