Shanto, Mushfiqur Steady Bangladesh After Early Collapse in Galle Test

The Bangladesh Tour of Sri Lanka 2025 is off to an exhilarating start. Bangladesh ended Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka on a strong note, reaching 292 for 3, thanks to unbeaten centuries from Najmul Hossain Shanto (136)* and Mushfiqur Rahim (105)**. The duo put up an unconcurred 247-run fourth wicket stand to best away the course after a cranial dive.

92 runs, no wickets — a very good session for Bangladesh! 🇧🇩💪

Solid partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto & Mushfiqur Rahim steadying the ship. 🏏👏 

— Cricket97 (@cricket97bd) 

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka made early damage with spinner Tharindu Rathnayake and pacer Asitha Fernando reducing Bangladesh to 45-3. But the momentum shifted as Shanto and Mushfiqur settled in, combining patience with calculated stroke play.

Shanto’s innings included 14 fours and a six, while Mushfiqur offered solid defence and sharp singles. Their stand is now Bangladesh’s fourth-highest fourth-wicket partnership against Sri Lanka in Tests.

Speaking after stumps, Mushfiqur Rahim reflected on the importance of the day, according to the :

“Shanto doesn’t have a double hundred yet, so this is a great opportunity. Whether it’s 200 or 250, it’ll be big for us.” He also recalled a similar effort at the same venue back in 2013: “I batted the whole day here with Ashraful bhai. That was my plan again today.”

The Sri Lankan bowlers will be aiming to regroup quickly on Day 2 as the pitch is expected to favour spinners. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be keen on capitalizing on this good platform and putting up a huge first-innings score.

Bangladesh v. Sri Lanka Stats

• Sri Lanka ICC Test Ranking: 6th Position
• Bangladesh ICC Test Ranking: 9th Position
• Sri Lanka v Bangladesh in Test Cricket: 26 Matches
• Sri Lanka Wins: 20 Matches
• Bangladesh Wins: 1 Match

• Draws: 5 Matches