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📌 Shanto Century and Mushfiqur Build Strong Lead on Day 5
Shanto Century brilliance illuminated the final day of the Galle Test as Bangladesh came close to forcing a historic away win. Resuming their second innings on 177/3 with a 187-run lead, Bangladesh had Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim well set at the crease.
The duo kept Sri Lanka’s bowlers at bay, stretching the lead and taking the partnership past 100 runs. Shanto confidently timed his strokes and peppered the boundary while Rahim supported him with a steady approach. Unfortunately for Bangladesh, Rahim was run out on 49 while attempting a risky single. His dismissal came at a crucial time, just before the heavens opened.
With Bangladesh at 237/4, rain forced an early lunch and halted play until 2:10 PM local time, reducing the window for a possible result.
⚡ Shanto Century Makes History with Twin Tons
Post-lunch, Tharindu Ratnayake brought Sri Lanka back into the contest with quick wickets of Litton Das and Jaker Ali. Despite the mini-collapse, Shanto remained composed and focused.
He soon reached his second century of the match, becoming the first Bangladesh batter to score hundreds in both innings of a Test match twice — a significant milestone that underlined his maturity and consistency. After reaching the milestone, Shanto accelerated with three towering sixes. His unbeaten 125* pushed Bangladesh to 285/6, at which point they declared, setting a target of 296 runs in 37 overs for the hosts.
Shanto Century was not just a personal milestone but a turning point that put Bangladesh in a commanding position.
🎯 Spinners Strike After Shanto Century Declaration
Sri Lanka started the chase with intent as Lahiru Udara and Pathum Nissanka struck six boundaries in the opening six overs. But Bangladesh’s spinners quickly halted the momentum.
Taijul Islam removed Udara with a smart stumping, while Nayeem Hasan dismissed Nissanka shortly after. Suddenly, Sri Lanka were reeling at 28/2. With the surface offering significant turn and bounce on Day 5, Bangladesh scented victory.
With Sri Lanka under pressure following the Shanto Century declaration, the Bangladesh spinners wasted no time asserting control.
💔 Farewell Mathews and Shanto Century Turning Point
Veteran Angelo Mathews walked in for his final Test innings, hoping to end his career on a solid note. Together with Dinesh Chandimal, he absorbed the pressure from Bangladesh’s spin trio.
Mathews dead-batted most deliveries from Taijul’s around-the-wicket angle. The spinners challenged both edges, and at one point Bangladesh even burned a review trying to trap Mathews LBW. However, Taijul got his man shortly after — Mathews was caught at silly point. In the same over, Taijul produced a beauty to castle Chandimal. At 48/4, Sri Lanka were in danger of a late collapse with 13.5 overs still remaining.
🛡️ Mendis, de Silva Block Out After Shanto Century High
Bangladesh were one breakthrough away from pushing harder for a result, but Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva held firm. The pair batted with composure and clarity, rotating the strike and frustrating the Bangladesh bowlers.
De Silva also countered the spin with a six off Nayeem Hasan, signaling intent. Despite Shanto’s sharp captaincy and Bangladesh’s aggressive fields, the batters stood strong. As overs ticked down, it became clear that a draw was inevitable.
With five overs left, both sides agreed to end the match, as Sri Lanka finished on 72/4. It marked the first drawn Test in Galle after 26 consecutive results, and capped off a match defined by one man’s brilliance — Shanto Century performances in both innings.
The game also highlighted Bangladesh’s growth as a Test side, especially away from home. Their approach, strategy, and individual performances — particularly from the batters and spinners — will give them confidence for the remainder of the series. With Shanto Century form at its peak and the bowling attack showing bite, Bangladesh will look to carry this momentum forward.
The Galle Test will be remembered for the Shanto Century masterclass, where his calm under pressure and flair with the bat turned the momentum in Bangladesh’s favor.
📋 Match Summary:
Bangladesh 495 (Mushfiqur Rahim 163, Shanto 148; Asitha Fernando 4-86)
Sri Lanka 485 (Pathum Nissanka 187, Kamindu Mendis 87; Nayeem Hasan 5-121)
Bangladesh (2nd Innings): 285/6 decl. (Shanto 125*, Shadman Islam 76; Ratnayake 3-102)
Sri Lanka (2nd Innings): 72/4 (Nissanka 24; Taijul Islam 3-23)
