- June 22, 2025
SL vs BAN (1st Test) – Highlights
In a gripping battle of attrition and grit at Galle International Stadium, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka played out a well-fought draw in the opening Test of the two-match series. The five-day contest, spanning from June 17 to 21, 2025, was marked by a masterclass in resilience from Najmul Hossain Shanto, who struck centuries in both innings and was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Bangladesh, opting to bat first on a relatively dry Galle pitch, piled up a formidable 495 in their first innings, thanks to monumental knocks from their skipper Shanto (148) and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (163). The pair stitched a game-defining 264-run partnership for the fourth wicket after an early collapse saw them slump to 45 for 3. Litton Das added a brisk 90, further consolidating Bangladesh’s advantage. The Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly Tharindu Rathnayake (3/196) and Asitha Fernando (4/86), toiled hard without much respite across nearly 154 overs.
In reply, Sri Lanka responded admirably with 485 of their own, led by a stellar 187 from opener Pathum Nissanka. Nissanka batted fluently and calmly, crafting partnerships with the middle-order to keep Sri Lanka within touching distance. Kamindu Mendis impressed with a composed 87, while Dinesh Chandimal contributed a solid 54. Bangladesh’s off-spinner Nayeem Hasan was the standout with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/121), effectively curbing Sri Lanka’s momentum in the latter half of the innings. Hasan Mahmud chipped in with three crucial wickets.
With a narrow 10-run first-innings lead, Bangladesh took a bold approach in the second innings, declaring at 285 for 6 and setting Sri Lanka a target of 296 in a little over a session. Once again, it was Shanto who led from the front, registering an unbeaten 125, his second century of the match. He showcased great maturity in pacing his innings and was ably supported by Shadman Islam (76) and Mushfiqur (49), before the innings was declared in the final session of Day 5.
In their fourth innings, Sri Lanka was rocked early by Bangladesh’s spinners. Taijul Islam was lethal with his flight and turn, scalping three wickets for just 23 runs in 16 overs, while Nayeem Hasan added one more to his match tally. At 48 for 4, Sri Lanka found themselves in a precarious position, but Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva dug in to deny Bangladesh a dramatic win, steering the side safely to 72 for 4 before stumps were drawn.
The Test was a compelling mix of individual brilliance and team resilience. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s aggregate of 273 runs without being dismissed in the second innings marked a new peak in his evolving career, solidifying his role as Bangladesh’s batting lynchpin. On the other hand, Pathum Nissanka’s elegance and composure provided a strong foundation for Sri Lanka in what could have been a more threatening position.
As both teams gear up for the second and final Test, the series hangs tantalizingly in the balance. With confidence gained and key players in sublime form, the upcoming clash promises another enthralling chapter in this subcontinental rivalry.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Scoreboard
Bangladesh (1st innings) – 495/10 (153.4)
Sri Lanka (1st innings)– 485/10 (131.2)
Bangladesh (2nd innings) – 285/6 d (87.0)
Sri Lanka (2nd innings)– 72/4 (32.0)
Result – Match drawn
Player of the match – Najmul Hossain Shanto
Najmul Hossain Shanto
SL vs BAN Playing XIs
Sri Lanka | Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Lahiru Udara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dinesh Chandimal, Tharindu Ratnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Angelo Mathews, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando |
Bangladesh | Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Litton Das (wk), Nahid Rana, Mushfiqur Rahim, Anamul Haque, Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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