SL vs BAN: Record partnership puts Bangladesh in command in first Sri Lanka Test
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and
forged a record-breaking fourth-wicket partnership of 247 runs, leading their team to a commanding position of 292-3 on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
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After choosing to bat first and facing early trouble at 45-3, the duo's resilient partnership helped Bangladesh recover and establish control.
The partnership between Shanto and Mushfiqur set a new record for Bangladesh's highest fourth-wicket stand in Tests against Sri Lanka. Shanto remained unbeaten on 136, while Mushfiqur scored 105 not out at stumps.
Mushfiqur, playing his 97th Test match, ended his lean spell of 13 innings without a half-century with a determined century.
The 38-year-old veteran survived a dropped catch by debutant Tharindu Rathnayake when on 25 before reaching his 12th Test hundred.
"We know that Galle always spins but for some reason when we have played here, we have been lucky to bat when conditions were good," Mushfiqur said after the day's play.
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"This wicket will deteriorate that's for sure. That is why it is important to post a big first innings total and once we do that we can put the opposition under pressure," he added.
Shanto achieved his sixth Test century and second against Sri Lanka with a paddle sweep off Prabath Jayasuriya, marking his first hundred since November 2023.
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Sri Lanka's early success came through right-arm fast bowler Asitha Fernando, who dismissed opener Anamul Haque for zero. Debutant off-spinner Rathnayake then claimed two quick wickets before the Shanto-Mushfiqur partnership took control.
"There was a bit of moisture on the wicket early on and we were able to create opportunities but once the wicket dried up it was a very good wicket to bat and the pitch became a bit slow as well," Rathnayake said after play.
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"This is not the usual Galle wicket that we get, I feel, it is quite hard and I think it will be good for batting even heading into day four. We need to regroup tomorrow and the ball is quite new and we can make a few breakthroughs in the morning... we need to remain patient and keep our discipline and see what happens."
The match marked a significant moment for Sri Lankan cricket as Angelo Mathews played his 119th and final Test match.
The 38-year-old veteran will retire with over 8,000 runs, ranking third in Sri Lanka's all-time scoring charts behind Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. "Feeling quite special. Realising that I have played over 100 Tests," Mathews said before the start. "Playing for the country was my dream, it has come true.
Extremely proud to have a wonderful journey, thankful for whoever was part of it."
Sri Lanka handed Test debuts to both Tharindu Rathnayake and opening batter Lahiru Udara, who earned their caps after impressive domestic performances.
This match opens the new two-year World Test Championship cycle, with the second Test scheduled to begin in Colombo on June 25.
The day ended with Bangladesh in a strong position at 292-3, with both Shanto and Mushfiqur unbeaten at the crease. Shanto scored 136 not out while Mushfiqur reached 105 not out, setting up their team for a potentially significant first-innings total.
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