A record-breaking fourth-wicket partnership between captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim put Bangladesh in management at 292-3 on day one of many first Take a look at towards Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
After a wobbly begin at Galle, the pair stitched collectively 247 runs — the very best fourth-wicket stand for Bangladesh in Exams towards Sri Lanka — steering the vacationers to a commanding place at stumps.
Having elected to bat first, Bangladesh was reeling at 45 for 3 when the duo got here collectively.
What adopted was a gritty rescue act — a partnership constructed on sound temperament, intelligent shot choice and an unflinching resolve as they dug their crew out of early bother.
Mushfiqur, essentially the most capped Take a look at participant in Bangladesh historical past with 97 appearances, silenced his critics with a well timed ton.
The veteran, underneath the pump after a lean patch spanning 13 innings and not using a half-century, rolled again the years with a knock of poise and goal.
The 38-year-old has fond reminiscences of Galle, having struck a monumental double hundred there in 2013, and as soon as once more turned tormentor-in-chief for the Sri Lankan bowlers.
He did get pleasure from a slice of luck — a tricky probability spilled by debutant Tharindu Rathnayake on 25 — however made it depend, navigating a nervy passage within the 90s, earlier than scampering a fast single to notch up his twelfth Take a look at hundred.
Shanto, optimistic from the outset, stored the scoreboard ticking with deft footwork and a eager eye for the free ball.
He introduced up his sixth Take a look at century — and second towards Sri Lanka — with a cheeky paddle sweep off Prabath Jayasuriya, marking his first ton since November 2023.
Sri Lanka made early inroads with right-arm fast Asitha Fernando drawing first blood, eradicating opener Anamul Haque for a duck.
Off-spinner Rathnayake, handed his Take a look at cap on the again of a prolific home season, struck twice in fast succession.
However as soon as the Shanto-Mushfiqur duo received their eye in, it was one-way visitors.
ALSO READ | SL vs BAN, 1st Take a look at Day 1 Highlights
Sri Lanka additionally handed a debut to opening batter Lahiru Udara, one other home heavyweight, whereas the hosts paused earlier than the beginning of play to congratulate retiring stalwart Angelo Mathews.
The 38-year-old Mathews, enjoying his 119th and closing Take a look at, will dangle up his boots with over 8,000 runs, behind solely Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene in Sri Lanka’s all-time charts.
Mathews talking earlier than the beginning, stated he was “extraordinarily proud to have an exquisite journey, grateful for whoever was a part of it”.
“Feeling fairly particular. Realising that I’ve performed over 100 Exams”, he added.
“Taking part in for the nation was my dream, it has come true.”
The match is the primary within the new two-year World Take a look at Championship cycle.
The second Take a look at begins in Colombo on June 25.
Temporary scores:
Bangladesh: 292-3 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 136 not out, Mushfiqur Rahim 105 not out)
Toss: Bangladesh