Colorful day for Tigers as Mushfiq-Shanto hit majestic centuries

Bangladesh's Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim showcased exceptional batting skills at the Galle International Stadium in Sri Lanka, both scoring centuries that propelled Bangladesh’s first innings total to a commendable 292 runs on the opening day of the Test.

On Tuesday (June 17), the first day of the five-day Test, Shanto and Mushfiq’s composed centuries became the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s batting effort. Their steady partnership provided much-needed stability, ensuring that the team ended the day with a strong total approaching 300 runs.

In contrast, Sri Lanka's bowlers had a challenging day. Debutant Tharindu Rathnayake was the lone bright spot for the hosts, claiming two wickets. Earlier, Asitha Fernando had dismissed Enamul, but beyond that, Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to make any further breakthroughs, allowing Bangladesh to dominate the day’s play.

The day turned out to be a promising one for Bangladesh, thanks to the solid centuries from Shanto and Mushfiq, which steered the team to a strong position despite losing three wickets. Initially, when Bangladesh opted to bat first, their top order struggled to justify the decision. On a pitch that favored batsmen, Anamul Haque Bijoy was dismissed for a duck, and the next two batsmen followed soon after, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious situation.

However, the afternoon session brought more stability for the visitors, which was a stark contrast to the morning’s setbacks. Anamul, who had failed to get off the mark, was dismissed early. Shadman Islam’s departure for just 14 added more pressure, and with the openers back in the pavilion, Bangladesh was in trouble. Mominul, who briefly showed some resistance with 29, was dismissed after playing an uncharacteristic ODI-style shot. By the 16.1-over mark, Bangladesh had lost three of their top-order batsmen.

At this critical juncture, Mushfiq and Shanto rose to the occasion. Their calm and composed batting provided much-needed stability, navigating the team through the early pressures. As the match progressed, they continued their dominant performance in the second session and added excitement in the third. Both batsmen reached centuries, and their unbeaten partnership now stands at 247 runs, putting Bangladesh in a commanding position.

On Wednesday (June 18), Bangladesh’s captain Shanto will resume his innings at a solid 136, while Mushfiq, who has scored 105, will look to build on his long-awaited century in Test cricket.

Mushfiq’s knock is particularly significant after a challenging run. In August, he scored 191 runs in the first innings against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, but struggled in his next 13 innings, failing to pass fifty with his highest score being just 40. However, in Galle, he has returned to his best form, notching up his 12th Test century and reaffirming why he is regarded as "Mr. Dependable" for Bangladesh.

Shanto, too, has found his form, reaching his sixth century in Test cricket. In the opening match of the Test Championship cycle, he led the team with remarkable composure. His last century came on November 28, 2023, at home against New Zealand, where he scored 105. After more than a year and a half, he has finally ended his century drought, proving his resilience.

The pair’s partnership is now the second-highest fourth-wicket partnership in Bangladesh’s Test history. The top two are 266 and 222 runs, both set against Zimbabwe, with Mushfiq involved in both. The current stand between Shanto and Mushfiq could well break the Galle record, and the two are surely aiming for that feat.

From a precarious 45/3, Bangladesh has now progressed to 292/3, with Shanto and Mushfiq dominating the proceedings. As long as this partnership continues, the momentum is shifting steadily in Bangladesh's favor, and the Test is moving towards its control.