Shanto, Mushfiqur tons put Bangladesh in strong foot

At stumps, Bangladesh stood strong at 292-3, thanks to an unbeaten 247-run stand for the fourth wicket between Shanto (136*) and Mushfiqur (105*). Their partnership rescued the visitors after an early top-order collapse and laid a solid foundation for a big first-innings total.

Shanto elected to bat first after winning the toss, but Bangladesh stumbled early. Anamul Haque Bijoy was dismissed for a 10-ball duck in the fifth over, edging a fuller delivery from pacer Asitha Fernando.

Mominul Haque showed early promise with a few boundaries, while Shadman Islam played cautiously. However, both fell in quick succession to debutant left-arm spinner Tharindu Rathnayake. Shadman edged one for 14, while Mominul, who had earlier been dropped on 21, was caught on 29 after attempting a loose cut shot.

Rathnayake finished the day as Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler, taking 2 for 124.

With Bangladesh reeling at 45-3, Shanto and Mushfiqur steadied the innings with a blend of patience and selective aggression. Shanto took charge against the spinners, striking the only six of the innings off Rathnayake and growing in confidence. He reached his sixth Test century — his first since 2023 — by sweeping Prabath Jayasuriya for a couple.

Mushfiqur, who had gone 14 innings without a fifty since his 191 against Pakistan last year, returned to form in style. He brought up his 12th Test century off 176 balls, relying largely on smart running between the wickets and finding the gaps, hitting just five boundaries.

The pair batted through nearly 73 overs together, guiding Bangladesh through two wicketless sessions and firmly putting the pressure back on Sri Lanka.

Shanto’s knock included 14 fours and a six, while Mushfiqur’s composed innings ensured Bangladesh capitalized on the favorable conditions — a rarity after their usual top-order struggles.

With seven wickets in hand and two set batters at the crease, Bangladesh will look to pile on the runs and tighten their grip on the game on Day 2.