Mushfiqur expects Shanto to hit double century

Dhaka, 17 June - Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim backed skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto to become the second Bangladeshi batter to hit a century at Galle.

Mushfiqur who himself was not out on 105 was the first batter to do so at this very venue in 2013 and that was indeed the maiden double century, hit by any Bangladeshi batter.

Shanto was batting on 136 at stumps on Day 1. He played with serenity and authority to bring up his sixth and second Test century against Sri Lanka after his 163 at Pallekele.

Mushfiqur and Shanto’s effort steered Bangladesh to 292-3, recovering from a shaky 45-3 on Day 1 of the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka.

“He (Shanto) should have aimed for one now since he doesn’t have a double hundred in Test matches,” Mushfiqur told reporters at Galle after Day 1 play.

“If he scores 200 plus, whatever he can manage, it be big plus for us,” Mushfiqur who struck his 12th ton and fourth against Sri Lanka added.

He also praised Shanto’s temperament and shot selection throughout the day.

“Even though he had a big knock in Sri Lanka, I will root for this particularly due to his temperament and resilience,” he said.

“He controlled the entire innings nicely and it was almost chanceless. For a moment he was not distracted, playing his shot with utter control and authority,” he said.BSS