Bangladesh ended the first day of the Galle Test on a high note, thanks to brilliant centuries from Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto. The pair shared an unbeaten stand of 247 runs, guiding the team to 292 for 3 at stumps.
Both batters played with great calm and control, reaching their hundreds around the same time. Their partnership took Bangladesh from a tricky position to a dominant one.
Mushfiqur celebrated Shanto’s hundred with emotion, a moment that caught the eye of fans and cameras alike. But for Mushfiq, this wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. Speaking to the media later, he said, “Shanto has been playing really well for a long time. His record in Tests is good. As a captain and as a batter, he’s improving. I liked how calm and controlled his innings was. He also got a hundred in Kandy before. These kinds of innings help set a tone for the rest of the batting lineup.”
Shanto’s hundred was a continuation of his fine form, and Mushfiqur’s celebration showed the support that senior players give to younger teammates. As Mushfiq pointed out, when someone reaches a big milestone, it should be celebrated — especially when it helps the team take control.
For Mushfiqur, Galle seems to be a lucky ground. Back in 2017, he scored 85 and 34 in the same venue. Across his last three innings at this ground, he now averages 106.33, scoring 319 runs. On this occasion, he ended the day unbeaten on 105 from 186 balls.
At first, Mushfiqur said the innings didn’t feel very special, but then he reflected more deeply. “I’m in the last stage of my career. So now, everything feels special. I try to give my best every time I play and prepare with full effort. Sometimes things go my way, sometimes they don’t — but I always try.”
Mushfiqur made history in Galle before, becoming the first Bangladeshi to score a double century in this very ground. That innings, he believes, helped push the belief within the team that bigger things were possible. “Galle is special because of that double century,” he said. “I believe our generation must help take the team forward. After that knock, others believed that 200 is possible in Tests. Now, someone will score 250 or even 300. As a senior player, it’s my job to lead from the front.”
With two centurions at the crease and a solid score on the board, Bangladesh will look to build further on Day 2. But no matter what happens next, Day 1 belonged to Mushfiq and Shanto — calm, composed, and absolutely in control.