The Daily Star April 21, 2021
Photo: Collected
Najmul Hossain Shanto struck his maiden Test ton for Bangladesh in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kandy today.
Bangladesh ended the opening day on top, amassing 302 for two with Najmul unbeaten on 126 off 288 deliveries and skipper Mominul Haque on 64 off 150 deliveries before stumps.
Tamim Iqbal missed out on a ton during his fluent innings and Najmul, who was dropped on 28 by wicketkeeper Dimuth Karunaratne, made his chance count. After Bangladesh had lost Saif Hassan early, Tamim took the lead in terms of putting the pressure back on the bowlers while Najmul watchfully built his innings. Tamim departed for 90 off 101 deliveries in the second session after a 144-run partnership with Najmul.