The opening Test of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has evolved into a gripping contest, with Bangladesh holding the upper hand after four days of intense action at the Galle International Stadium. At stumps on Day 4, Bangladesh stood at 177/3 in their second innings, stretching their lead to a solid 187 runs. With captain Najmul Hossain Shanto unbeaten on 56 and veteran *Mushfiqur Rahim on 22, the visitors look well-placed to set a challenging fourth-innings target for Sri Lanka on the final day.
A Steady Start in the Second Innings
Earlier in the second innings, opener Shadman Islam laid the foundation with a composed knock of 76 runs, navigating Sri Lanka’s spin challenge with maturity. Although Bangladesh lost Anamul Haque (4) and Mominul Haque (14) cheaply, they recovered well thanks to crucial partnerships.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers toiled hard on a flattening surface, with Milan Rathnayake, Tharindu Rathnayake, and Prabath Jayasuriya sharing one wicket each.
A First-Innings Marathon Battle
Bangladesh had set the tone earlier in the Test by winning the toss and opting to bat. They posted a formidable 495 in their first innings, built on a captain’s knock of 148 from Shanto and a magnificent 163 from Mushfiqur Rahim. The duo’s marathon partnership resurrected the innings after an early collapse at 45/3. Litton Das also made a valuable contribution with 90 runs, solidifying the middle order.
Sri Lanka, in reply, produced a spirited batting display of their own, scoring 485 runs in 131.2 overs—just 10 runs shy of Bangladesh’s total. The standout was Pathum Nissanka, who played an exceptional innings of 187 off 256 balls, laced with 23 boundaries and a six. Supporting acts came from Kamindu Mendis (87) and Dinesh Chandimal (54).
Despite falling short, Sri Lanka’s fightback kept the game finely balanced until Bangladesh surged ahead again in the third innings.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Brilliance
With the ball, Nayeem Hasan was the star for Bangladesh, claiming a memorable five-wicket haul (5/121 in 43.2 overs). He was ably supported by Hasan Mahmud (3 wickets), with Mominul Haque and Taijul Islam taking a wicket apiece.
Sri Lanka’s most effective bowler was Asitha Fernando, who grabbed 4 wickets for 86 runs, while Milan Rathnayake and Tharindu Rathnayake also chipped in with three wickets each. However, left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya went wicketless across 47 overs—an unusual outcome on a turning Galle pitch.
What to Expect on Day 5?
With a 187-run lead and seven wickets in hand, Bangladesh will likely look to bat an hour or two into the morning session and push their lead past 275 before declaring. The pitch is showing signs of wear, and spinners could play a decisive role on the final day.
The equation is simple: Sri Lanka will need a spirited batting effort to chase down a potentially daunting target on a deteriorating Day 5 surface, while Bangladesh will eye early breakthroughs to seal a famous away victory and kickstart their WTC 2025–27 campaign on a high.
Score Summary at End of Day 4
Bangladesh 1st Innings: 495 all out (Shanto 148, Rahim 163, Litton Das 90; Asitha Fernando 4/86)
Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 485 all out (Nissanka 187, Kamindu Mendis 87; Nayeem Hasan 5/121)
Bangladesh 2nd Innings: 177/3 in 52 overs (Shadman Islam 76, Shanto 56*; lead by 187 runs)
