WTC 2025-27 cycle starts with a bang, Shanto-Rahim's record-breaking partnership, Bangladesh eyes a big lead on the second day today
SL vs BAN 1st Test: Bangladesh has started the WTC 2025-27 cycle in a big way. Bangladesh has scored 292 runs for three wickets on the first day of the Galle Test against hosts Sri Lanka. Today on the second day, it will be eyeing a big lead.
Bangladesh has embarked on the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle in a grand manner against Sri Lanka. On the first day in Galle, Sri Lanka's morning started strongly for Bangladesh, culminating in a record-breaking unbeaten partnership of 247 runs between Nazmul Hussain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim. The visiting team posted 292 runs on the scoreboard for the loss of three wickets in 90 overs before stumps on the first day at the Galle International Stadium. Bangladesh will be aiming for a significant lead against Sri Lanka on the second day of the Galle Test today, June 18.
Sri Lanka triumphed on the waves of emotions and early successes in the morning. The day began with a guard of honor for the legendary Angelo Mathews. Winning the toss was crucial for Bangladesh on a Galle pitch that was unusually batsman-friendly on the first day.
Bangladesh had a rocky start, losing the wickets of Shadman Islam (14), Anamul Haque (0), and Mominul Haque within the first 15 overs at a score of 29. Following this, captain Shanto and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim displayed flexibility and aggression, finding momentum and dominating the remainder of the day's play.
Shanto made his intentions clear from the outset of his innings. Conversely, Mushfiqur Rahim remained calm and composed, achieving his century—the 12th of his Test career and fourth against Sri Lanka—demonstrating his enduring quality and game awareness. As the day went on, both batsmen easily rotated the strike and capitalized on any loose deliveries.
Bangladesh finished the first day at 292 for the loss of three wickets in 90 overs. Nazmul Hossain Shanto is unbeaten on 136, and Mushfiqur Rahim stands at 105. Together, they have formed a 247-run partnership, marking the highest partnership for the fourth wicket by Bangladesh in Test cricket against Sri Lanka.
On the other hand, Milan Ratnayake was disciplined and economical for Sri Lanka, conceding only 19 runs in 12 overs without taking a wicket, but did not receive support from the opposite end. Tharindu, making his debut for Sri Lanka, proved to be quite expensive, taking two wickets for 124 runs, while Asitha Fernando took one wicket for 51 runs.
