In a dramatic turnaround at the Galle International Stadium, Bangladesh clawed back from a shaky start to end Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in dominant fashion. After losing three early wickets for just 29, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (136*) and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (105*) combined for an unbroken, record-setting 247-run partnership, guiding the visitors to 292/3 in 90 overs.
Winning the toss proved vital on a Galle surface that defied its usual early demons. But Bangladesh’s top order stumbled early — Shadman Islam (14), Anamul Haque (0), and Mominul Haque (12) all fell within the first 15 overs. Sri Lanka rode the early wave of emotion following a guard of honour for retiring great Angelo Mathews, and debutant ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Ratnayake struck twice in two overs to raise hopes of a dominant day.
But Shanto responded with poise and aggression, lifting Ratnayake over mid-off in just his sixth ball to signal intent. From there, he launched a clinical assault on the debutant, plundering 10 of his 15 boundaries (and a six) off the spinner. Mushfiqur, at the other end, provided the perfect foil — calm, composed and sharp in shot selection — on his way to his 12th Test ton, and fourth against Sri Lanka.
As the day progressed, Bangladesh not only recovered but imposed themselves. Their scoring rate hovered above 3.5 runs per over and crept near 4 by the final session. Sri Lanka, despite early breakthroughs, struggled to sustain pressure. While Milan Rathnayake was tidy (0/19 in 12 overs), over-bowling the debutant Ratnayake (2/124 in 29 overs) backfired as Bangladesh took full control.
If he scores 200-plus, whatever he can manage, it’ll be a big plus for us. He controlled the entire innings nicely … it was almost chanceless. Not for a moment was he distracted — he played his shots with utter control and authority.
With the Galle pitch showing minimal turn and bounce, and Bangladesh’s two most experienced batters well set, the visitors are now well placed to bat big and pile on scoreboard pressure heading into Day 2.
Brief Scores (Day 1): Bangladesh 292/3 in 90 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 136* off 221 balls, Mushfiqur Rahim 105* off 172; Tharindu Ratnayake 2/124) vs Sri Lanka.
