Shanto, Mushfiqur put Bangladesh on top in Galle
Galle, June 17 (UNI) A dominant unbeaten partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim turned the tide in Bangladesh's favour on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle today.
After a shaky start that saw three wickets fall for less than 50, the visitors rallied strongly, courtesy a resolute and masterful 247-run unbroken stand between Shanto and Mushfiqur, who remained unbeaten on 136 and 105 respectively at stumps.
Earlier in the morning, Sri Lanka appeared to be in command. Having won the toss and elected to bat on a pitch offering ideal batting conditions, Shanto would have been pleased. But within the first hour, Bangladesh were tottering, losing Anamul Haque, Shadman Islam, and Mominul Haque. Debutant spinner Tharindu Rathnayake struck twice in successive deliveries, while seamer Asitha Fernando provided the early breakthrough.
However, the course of the match shifted dramatically once Shanto and Mushfiqur joined forces. Shanto, despite facing only three deliveries when Mushfiqur arrived at the crease, quickly asserted himself. He struck Tharindu for a lofted boundary in just his seventh delivery, setting the tone for an innings marked by controlled aggression and composure.
Shanto's 14 boundaries, nine of which came off Tharindu, reflected his intent to neutralise the debutant spinner. Mushfiqur, anchoring the other end, offered solidity and experience. Together, they ensured that Sri Lanka's bowlers were made to toil for the rest of the day.
The scoring rate remained steady around 3 to 3.5 runs an over, with session scores of 90, 92, and 110. In the final hour, the tiring Sri Lankan attack allowed Bangladesh to score freely, touching nearly four runs an over.
Seamer Milan Rathnayake was the most economical among the Lankan bowlers, conceding just 19 runs from 12 overs, but Sri Lanka's strategy came under scrutiny. The overuse of debutant Tharindu even as he was being targeted, and the delayed reintroduction of senior spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, raised questions about tactical decisions.
The day had begun on a ceremonial note, with retiring Sri Lankan stalwart Angelo Mathews receiving a guard of honour in his final Test appearance. Early celebrations continued with Sri Lanka's initial breakthroughs, but by the end of the day, it was Bangladesh who were celebrating, firmly in control.
With the pitch expected to wear down later in the match, Bangladesh's patient approach to "bat first and bat long" seemed justified. The visitors will now look to push on from their commanding 314/3 on Day 2. UNI BDN SSP
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