DHAKA, June 17, 2025 (BSS)- Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran 
Mushfiqur Rahim hit centuries in a show of unwavering resolve as Bangladesh 
put them in strong position on Day 1 of the first cricket Test against Sri 
Lanka at Galle International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka today.

Shanto was not out on 136 with Mushfiqur on 105, after sharing a 247-run 
partnership in an unbroken fourth wicket stand, leading Bangladesh to 292-3 
at stumps.

The day began with Bangladesh's traditional batting frailties as the top 
order crumbled in what looked a batting paradise before Shanto and Mushfiqur 
amended with an approach, mixed with caution and aggression.

Sri Lanka's debutant left-arm spinner Tharindu Rathnayake was the most 
successful bowler for the side on the opening day with 2-124.

Shanto won the toss and didn't hesitate to bat first but that was not 
vindicated as Sri Lanka got the first breakthrough in just fifth over by 
removing Anamul Haque Bijoy.

After struggling to get off the mark, Bijoy finally edged a fuller length 
delivery of pacer Asitha Fernando for a 10 ball-duck.

Mominul Haque, the only other Bangladeshi batter apart from Mushfiqur to have 
averaged 50 against Sri Lanka, began fluently, hitting Fernando a couple of 
boundaries.

Shadman Islam, the opener who seemed to have settled his position after the 
retirement of Tamim Iqbal, played cautiously when Mominul was on song.

But the introduction of Rathnayake proved to be costly for Bangladesh.
Rathnayake struck twice in two balls across two overs to get the better of 
those two batters, who looked solid in approach.

He spun one past Shadman viciously to take the outside edge, ending his 14 
off 53 before finding the edge of Mominul.

Mominul who was dropped on 21 in the bowling of the same bowler tried to cut 
a delivery that was not close enough, resulting in a catch as Sri Lankan 
skipper Dhananjaya de Silva completed a tumbling catch to remove him on 33 
ball-29, a knock studded with four boundaries.

Shanto and Mushfiqur found it tough initially but grinded it out to regain 
the control with the skipper particularly dominating the spinners.

He struck Rathnayake the only six of the innings after which he grew with 
confidence.

His chanceless innings resulted in a fine century when he swept leg-spinner 
Prabath Jayasuriy for a couple runs. He played 202 balls for his sixth 
century, a ton that was his first since 2023.

After his epic 191, which was instrumental in Bangladesh's maiden Test 
victory over Pakistan last year, Mushfiqur was just his shadow, going 14 
innings without any fifty.

However, as soon as he settled him in the crease, a century looked imminent.

The seasoned campaigner raised his 12th century off 176 balls, with a single 
off pacer Asitha Fernando as Bangladesh further established its dominance.

Mushfiqur's innings included only five boundaries as he relied on a series of 
singles and doubles to end his draught.

Shanto, however, kept hitting till the last moment and so far smashed 14 
fours and one six in his knock.

After coming together in the crease in the 17th over, they kept them 
unscathed for almost 73 overs, giving Sri Lanka two wicket-less sessions, a 
feat that raised Bangladesh's prospect of batting out the hosts from the 
game.