Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto struck unbeaten centuries to rescue Bangladesh from an early slump and guide them to a commanding position on Day 1 of the first Test against hosts Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.
Mushfiqur brought up his 12th Test hundred — his first in 14 innings — while Shanto notched his sixth, as the pair shared a record-breaking 247-run stand for the fourth wicket, Bangladesh’s highest for that wicket against Sri Lanka. Their partnership saw the visitors recover from a precarious 45 for three in just over 16 overs to end the day on a strong 292 for three after 90 overs.
The ton marked Mushfiqur’s third against the Islanders, including a memorable double century at the same venue in 2013. Despite showing some nerves in the 90s, the right-hander eventually reached his hundred off 176 deliveries, striking only five boundaries.
Shanto had earlier reached three figures himself, registering his second Test century against Sri Lanka. The skipper played with composure and authority, anchoring the innings following the early loss of wickets.
Mushfiqur’s century also ended a prolonged lean patch in the longest format. His last Test hundred came against Pakistan in Rawalpindi last year, when he scored 191. Since then, his highest score had been 40, against Zimbabwe in Chattogram in April.
With both batters unbeaten at stumps, Bangladesh will look to build on their promising start when play resumes on Day 2.