Bangladesh captain Najmul Hussain Shantio and Mushfiqur Rahim A record-breaking fourth-wicket partnership of 247 runs took his team to a 292-3 commanding position in the first Test against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 in Galle. After batting first and facing early trouble at 45–3, the pair’s flexible partnership helped Bangladesh fix and establish control.The partnership between Shanto and Mushfiqur set a new record in tests against Sri Lanka for Bangladesh’s highest fourth wicket. Shunto remained unbeaten on 136, while Mushfiqur scored 105 runs in stumps.Playing the role of his 97th Test match, Mushfiqur ended his thin magic of 13 innings without half a century with a scheduled century. The 38 -year -old veteran survived a dropped catch by debut Tharindu Rathnayake on 25th before reaching his 12th Test hundred.Mushfiqur said after the day’s game, “We know that Gall always roams but for some reason when we have played here, we have been lucky to bat when the situation was good.”
He said, “This wicket will certainly get spoiled. That is why it is important to post the total first innings and once we do so that we can put the opposition under pressure,” he said.Shunto marked his sixth Test century and the second one against Sri Lanka with a paddle sweep from Prabath Jaisuria, since November 2023.
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Sri Lanka’s initial success came through right hand fast bowler Asitha Fernando, who rejected the opener Anamul Haq for zero. Debutant of-spinner Rathnayake claimed two quick wickets before the Shanto-Mushfiqur partnership.After playing Rathneke, he said, “There was a quick moisture on the wicket and we were able to create an opportunity, but once the wicket dried up it was a very good wicket to bat and the pitch slowed down a bit.”“This is not a normal gallle wicket that we get, I think, it’s quite difficult and I think it will be good to bat in the day four. We need to organize again tomorrow and the ball is quite new and we can make some successes in the morning … We can be patient and keep our discipline and see what happens.”The match marked an important moment for Sri Lankan cricket as Angelo Mathews played his 119th and final Test match. The 38 -year -old veteran will be retired with over 8,000 runs, which will finish third in Sri Lanka’s all -time scoring chart behind Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardin. Before the beginning, Mathews said, “Looks quite special. Feeling that I have played more than 100 Tests.” “It was my dream to play for the country, it has come true. It is very proud to travel a wonderful journey, grateful for whatever was part of it. ,Sri Lanka handed over a Test debut to both Thaharindu Rathnayake and opening batter Lahiru Udara, who earned their cap after an impressive domestic performance. The match opens the new two -year World Test Championship cycle with the second Test starting in Colombo on 25 June.The day ended in a strong position with Bangladesh at 292–3, with both the shunto and Mushfiqur unbeaten at the crease. Shanto scored 136 runs, while Mushfiqur did not reach 105, established his team for a potentially important first innings.
