Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka WTC 2025-27: The much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle began today with Bangladesh locking horns with Sri Lanka in the first Test at the picturesque Galle International Stadium. At the end of Day 1, Bangladesh recovered strongly from an early collapse to post an impressive 292/3 in 90 overs, thanks to a stunning unbeaten century from skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim’s classy hundred.
Early Shock and Remarkable Recovery
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh were jolted early by a sharp Sri Lankan pace attack. Within the first session, they had slumped to 45 for 3, with top-order batters failing to negotiate the new ball effectively. The Sri Lankan bowlers, especially Asitha Fernando and Tharindu Ratnayake, extracted good bounce and turn from the Galle surface, placing Bangladesh in a precarious position.
But what followed was a gritty display of resilience and temperament from Najmul Hossain Shanto, who once again rose to the occasion as captain. Showing maturity beyond his years, Shanto stitched together a crucial unbeaten 247-run partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim to steady the ship.
Shanto’s Leadership Shines Bright
Shanto led from the front, finishing the day on a magnificent unbeaten 136 off 260 balls. His innings, decorated with 14 boundaries and a six, was a fine blend of caution and aggression, showcasing his growing stature in the international arena. This century marked yet another milestone for the left-hander, as he continues to evolve into the backbone of Bangladesh’s red-ball setup.
This knock not only rescued Bangladesh from early trouble but also placed them in a commanding position going into Day 2. Shanto’s footwork against spin and ability to rotate the strike under pressure stood out throughout the day.
Mushfiqur Adds Experience and Class
At the other end, Mushfiqur Rahim brought all his experience into play. The 36-year-old showed tremendous poise and batted with immense control, reaching his century without offering a single chance to the opposition. He remained unbeaten on 105, his innings comprising elegant strokes and vital singles that frustrated the Lankan bowlers.
This was a vintage Mushfiqur knock, built on patience and tactical awareness. He handled both pace and spin with equal authority, proving once again why he remains one of Bangladesh’s most dependable Test batters.
Sri Lankan Bowlers Test Patience
For Sri Lanka, the day started on a high note with Asitha Fernando drawing first blood. But the momentum quickly shifted away as the Shanto-Rahim partnership wore down the attack. Tharindu Ratnayake was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 wickets, while Asitha managed one early breakthrough.
Despite some sharp spells, the Sri Lankan bowlers struggled to make inroads during the latter half of the day. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva tried rotating his bowlers frequently, but the flatness of the pitch and disciplined batting gave the hosts little to celebrate in the final two sessions.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
With Bangladesh firmly in control at stumps on Day 1, they’ll look to build further on this strong foundation. Both Shanto and Mushfiqur are well set, and the visitors will aim for a total in excess of 450 to put pressure on the hosts.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will need quick wickets early on Day 2 to get back into the game. Their bowlers have the experience and talent, but they must strike early and often if they wish to avoid chasing leather for another day.
Series Context
This Test marks the beginning of a long-format bilateral series between the two subcontinent rivals. After the two-Test series, the teams are scheduled to clash in ODIs and T20Is, with fixtures to be announced following the conclusion of the red-ball leg.
Notably, both teams are eyeing a strong start in the new WTC cycle. Bangladesh, under Shanto’s captaincy, are hoping to shed their inconsistent tag, while Sri Lanka will be banking on their experienced core led by new skipper Dhananjaya de Silva to restore dominance at home.
Day 1 of the Galle Test delivered everything Test cricket fans could ask for—early drama, resilient batting, and a battle of patience. While Bangladesh holds the upper hand, the match is still very much open. With Shanto and Mushfiqur at the crease, the visitors have a golden chance to dictate terms. But in Galle, fortunes can turn quickly—Day 2 promises to be another enthralling chapter in this growing rivalry.
