Shanto, Mushfiqur Lead Bangladesh’s Fightback in Opening WTC

Bangladesh launched their 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship campaign with a commanding recovery on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

After being sent in to bat, Bangladesh were in early trouble at 45 for 3, with debutant Tharindu Rathnayake claiming two quick wickets, including opener Shadman Islam. However, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim turned the innings around with a composed and disciplined stand.

The pair put together an unbroken 247-run partnership for the fourth wicket, guiding Bangladesh to 292 for 3 by stumps. Shanto remained unbeaten on 136 while Mushfiqur anchored the other end with a steady 105 not out off 186 balls.

The day also held personal significance for Mushfiqur, who became Bangladesh’s leading Test run-scorer in Sri Lanka, surpassing Mohammad Ashraful’s record of 751 runs. Mushfiqur now has 755 runs in 15 innings on Sri Lankan soil at an average of 68.63.

Sri Lanka, fielding a spin-heavy attack and playing under the emotional backdrop of Angelo Mathews’ farewell Test, failed to capitalise after their early success. Spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Rathnayake bowled a combined 61 overs but could not break the fourth-wicket stand.

Mathews was honoured with a guard of honour before the start of play, but it was Bangladesh who dominated proceedings through the day. 

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Playing XIs, 1st Test:

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Tharindu Ratnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando

Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Jaker Ali, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana