GALLE, SRI LANKA – June 2025 —
Cricket is not just a game. It is a story of emotions, of moments that change everything. On Day 1 of the Galle Test, Bangladesh authored one such story — a tale of grit, grace, and emotional resurgence led by Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim.The day began with Sri Lanka full of energy and joy, giving a heartfelt guard of honour to their retiring legend, Angelo Mathews. Within minutes, their celebration looked set to continue on the field. Bangladesh, having chosen to bat, found themselves in deep trouble at 44 for 3. The Galle surface, known for favouring spinners, started to behave, and debutant Tharindu Rathnayake seized his moment with two quick wickets.What came next was not just a cricket partnership — it was a story of mental toughness, team spirit, and a masterclass in rebuilding under pressure.
The Turnaround Begins
When Mushfiqur Rahim walked out to join Shanto, the scoreboard wasn’t encouraging. Shanto had faced only a few deliveries but showed fierce intent early, stepping out and launching a confident six over Tharindu’s head. It wasn’t just a boundary; it was a signal of defiance.
From that moment on, Shanto and Mushfiqur stitched together one of the most emotionally resonant partnerships in Bangladesh’s recent history. They didn’t just score runs — they stood tall when everything else was falling apart.
A Partnership of Grit and Glory
The duo added an unbeaten 247 runs, slowly but steadily taking the wind out of Sri Lanka’s sails. Shanto, calm and composed, scored a majestic 136— a knock built on timing, placement, and mental strength. At the other end, Mushfiqur Rahim brought his years of experience to the fore, finishing the day unbeaten on 105.Together, they blunted the Sri Lankan attack with patience and picked apart loose deliveries with grace. Shanto smartly targeted debutant Tharindu, smashing 10 of his 15 boundaries off him, forcing the bowler off rhythm. Even when Tharindu settled later, the psychological damage had been done.
Tactical Mastery by Bangladesh
Bangladesh played smart cricket. Knowing Galle’s history and the batting-friendly conditions, they chose a long-term strategy — bat deep, build big. They kept the run rate ticking around 3 to 3.5, accelerating toward the final hour when Sri Lanka began to fade.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, missed a trick or two. Their over-reliance on the debutant spinner, even when he was under attack, and late introduction of Prabath Jayasuriya after lunch allowed Bangladesh’s batters to settle into a rhythm. Milan Rathnayake kept things tight, but the pressure he created was often released at the other end.
More Than Just Numbers
What made this day so special wasn’t just the statistics. It was the silence that followed Sri Lanka’s early roar. It was the emotion on Shanto’s face when he reached his hundred. It was the quiet nods between the two batters as they crossed milestones. It was the invisible thread of belief that tied their innings together.Bangladesh, who looked broken in the morning, ended the day with their heads held high, controlling the narrative and reshaping the match on their terms.
Criket Match Score Summary:
Bangladesh 292 for 3 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 136, Mushfiqur Rahim 105, Tharindu 2-124)
Key Highlights:
Conclusion:This was not just a day of runs. It was a day of heart. Bangladesh came, they stumbled, and they rose — united, calm, and strong. In a game often dominated by numbers and stats, Day 1 in Galle was a reminder that sometimes, cricket is all about character. And on this day, Shanto and Mushfiqur gave fans something to remember forever.
- Early collapse: Bangladesh 44/3 within the first hour
- Emotional guard of honour for Angelo Mathews
- Match-turning 247 partnership between Shanto and Mushfiqur
- Tactical use of spin and resilience against pressure