Bangladesh Takes Command in World Test Championship Opener Against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh's Strong Start in Galle Test

The 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle kicked off in Galle, where Bangladesh showcased a powerful performance on the first day of their Test match against Sri Lanka. After a shaky start, a resilient partnership between captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 136, and seasoned player Mushfiqur Rahim, who added 105, shifted the momentum in favor of the visitors.

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl on a dry Galle pitch, initially making an impact with debutant medium pacer Tharindu Rathnayake, who dismissed opener Shadman Islam and claimed another wicket, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 45 for 3 within the first hour. It appeared that Sri Lanka's strategy of utilizing spin could pay off, but the pace of the game soon changed.

From that point, the focus shifted to the Shanto-Mushfiqur partnership. They not only stabilized the innings but also dominated the play, forming an impressive unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 247 runs by the end of the day. Shanto played with flair and aggression, particularly against spin, while Mushfiqur provided a steadying influence with his calm and calculated approach.

Both players reached their centuries, showcasing their different yet complementary styles—Shanto concluded the day not out at 136, while Mushfiqur remained unbeaten at 105. Their efforts propelled Bangladesh to a strong position at 292 for 3 by stumps, turning around the match after a tense start.

Despite the emotional backdrop of Angelo Mathews' final Test, Sri Lanka struggled to maintain their early pressure. Their bowlers, especially the spin duo of Prabath Jayasuriya and Tharindu Rathnayake, toiled hard, bowling 61 overs for just two wickets. The five-bowler strategy failed to provide relief, and as the day progressed, the attack lost its effectiveness under the relentless batting.

With a solid foundation laid, Bangladesh is poised to post a formidable first-innings score, having seized the early advantage in this new chapter of the World Test Championship.