Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto delivered a landmark performance in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. He scored a century in each innings 148 in the first and 125 not out in the second becoming the first Bangladesh skipper to achieve twin hundreds in a Test match.
Two Centuries in One Match – Again
This is not Shanto’s first time scoring two Test hundreds in the same game. He had previously achieved this rare feat against Afghanistan in June 2023. He is the first Bangladeshi player to do this more than once in Test cricket.
Breaking a 12-Year National Record
Shanto’s total of 273 runs in this match is now the highest by a Bangladesh captain in a single Test, breaking Mushfiqur Rahim’s record of 200 runs made in 2013 at the same Galle ground.
Match Situation at Galle
Thanks to Shanto’s second-innings century, Bangladesh declared their second innings at 285 for 6, setting Sri Lanka a target of 296 runs. However, with only a few overs left in the match, a draw was the most likely result.
First-Innings Highlights
- Shanto scored 148 runs from 279 balls, hitting 15 fours and 1 six.
- Mushfiqur Rahim also contributed a strong 163-run innings.
- Bangladesh posted 495 runs in their first innings.
Second-Innings Charge
- Shanto remained unbeaten on 125 from 199 balls, hitting 9 fours and 3 sixes.
- His steady performance helped Bangladesh gain a strong position in the match.
- Bangladesh declared to give themselves a chance to bowl out Sri Lanka quickly.
What the Record Means for Bangladesh Cricket
This performance is a strong answer to Shanto’s critics and proves his value as a captain and batsman. His leadership and form can help Bangladesh become more competitive in overseas Test matches.
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With senior players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das supporting the team, and younger players stepping up, Bangladesh’s batting unit now looks more balanced and capable of producing big totals even in tough conditions.
Looking Ahead
Bangladesh will take confidence into the next Test match. On the other side, Sri Lanka will need to make plans to stop Shanto from scoring freely again. His form and mindset show that he is ready to lead Bangladesh to better results in Test cricket.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and based on match data available till 21 June 2025. Official records and final outcomes may differ slightly. Always check official match sources for confirmed details.
