Rain Forces Draw in First Test as Bangladesh Miss Opportunity Against Sri Lanka
The opening Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka ended in a rain-affected draw at Galle on Saturday, despite a commanding performance by Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored centuries in both innings. Persistent showers and a delayed declaration left too little time for a result, with Sri Lanka finishing at 72-4 in pursuit of a challenging 296-run target.
Shanto was the standout performer of the match, crafting an unbeaten 125 in the second innings after a fluent 148 in the first. With this, he became the second Bangladeshi after Mominul Haque to score twin centuries in a Test and achieved the feat for a second time himself — his first coming against Afghanistan in 2023.
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Highlights from the events in Khulna today to mark the 25th anniversary of Bangladesh's Test status.#BCB | #BangladeshCricket pic.twitter.com/3N7wC0h4Oo
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) June 21, 2025
However, while Shanto’s individual brilliance earned praise, his captaincy came under scrutiny. After rain delayed play on the final morning, Bangladesh resumed their second innings at 177-3 and batted cautiously, extending their lead to 247 runs before further rain interruptions. Eventually, they declared at 285-6, setting Sri Lanka a target of 296 in just 37 overs. Critics argue an earlier declaration could have offered a realistic shot at victory on a deteriorating fifth-day pitch.
Sri Lanka’s top order crumbled under pressure, with Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Angelo Mathews, and Dinesh Chandimal all dismissed in quick succession. Spinner Taijul Islam led the charge with 3-23, while Nayeem Hasan also chipped in. Mathews, playing his 119th and final Test, was given a standing ovation as he walked off the field for the last time in a memorable farewell.
Among Sri Lanka’s positives was the emergence of debutant Tharindu Rathnayake. The ambidextrous spinner impressed with a six-wicket match haul and dismissed key batsmen using both off-spin and left-arm orthodox deliveries. He also pulled off a sharp run-out of Mushfiqur Rahim, who fell for 49, just one short of a half-century.
In the first innings, Bangladesh posted a formidable 495, with Rahim (163), Shanto (148), and Litton Das (90) leading the charge. Sri Lanka responded with 485, thanks to a superb 187 from Nissanka and 87 from Kamindu Mendis. Nayeem Hasan was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, claiming 5-121.
Despite Bangladesh’s dominance for much of the match, rain delays and a conservative approach meant they missed the chance to press for a win. The series now moves to Colombo, where the second Test is scheduled to begin next week.
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