Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Series 2021: First Test Player Ratings
Bangladesh raised real hope after scoring massive runs in the first innings of the first Test against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh were expected to force Sri Lanka to follow on by bowl them out for a minimal total. But all expectations were shattered when Sri Lanka took 107 runs lead in the first innings. On the final day, the Lankans intended to take all of Bangladesh's wickets and clinch the match. But Bangladeshi batters did not allow the opposition bowlers to dominate over them, and the match ended in a draw. The first Test player ratings for both teams are mentioned in this article.
Players’ performance ratingsof both teamsin the first Test
After a run-fest first Test, we compiled ratings for all the participating players, which is mentioned below...
Read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Five Times When Bangladesh Stun Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Tamim Iqbal (8/10)
Runs: 164 | Ave: 164 | HS: 90 | 100s: 0
In the first Test, the veteran Tamim Iqbal was seen in a different style. His aggressive batting in the first innings inspired the rest of the Bangladeshi batters to play well on the placid wicket.Tamim could have played a long innings if he had not been dismissed for 90 in the first innings. On the other hand, he played an unbeaten 74*-run knock in the second innings. Tamim Iqbal returned to form is one of the key achievements for Bangladesh.
Saif Hassan (1/10)
Runs: 1 | Ave: 0.50 | HS: 1 | 100s: 0
Saif Hasan was replaced by regular Test opener Shadman Islam in the first Test as Bangladesh team management wanted to give the youngster a chance to showcase his talent. But Saif could not capitalize the opportunity. He made a duck in the first innings and scored only one run in the second innings.
Najmul Hossain Shanto (7/10)
Runs: 163 | Ave: 81.50 | HS: 163 | 100s: 1
Prior to this match, Nazmul Hossain was given multiple chances to showcase his talent in the international arena but he failed to seize the opportunity. So there was a rumor that he may be dropped from the national side. Just then, he smacked a career-best 163-run knock in the first innings of the series-opening Test against Sri Lanka. He batted at the crease for a long time and faced 378 balls to cultivate his innings. However, in the second innings, he was bowled by Lakmal and returned to the pavilion without scoring a run.
Mominul Haque(8/10)
Runs: 150 | Ave: 150.00 | HS: 127 | 100s: 1
As captain, Mominul Haque had little to do in this Test because the pitch was completely batting friendly. However, Mominul did well as a batsman. In the first innings, he played an important 127-run knock, which was Mominul's first century on foreign soil. He remained unbeaten on 23* in the second innings.
Mushfiqur Rahim (8/10)
Runs: 68 | Ave: - | HS: 68* | 100s: 0
Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten in the first innings with a tenacious 68*-run knock and played an important role in helping Bangladesh to score big. However, Mushfiqur did not have to bat in the second innings.
Read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series 2021: Test Rankings Prediction
Liton Das (7/10)
Runs: 50 | Ave: 50 | HS: 50 | 100s: 0
Liton Das kept the scoreboard moving by scoring quick 50 runs in the first innings. But in the end, he was out after completing his half-century. Bangladesh lost two wickets in the second innings that's why Liton did not get a chance to bat again in this match.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5/10)
Wickets: 1 | Econ: 2.77 | BBI: 1/161 | 5W: 0
Mehidy Hasan Miraj was the most economical among the Bangladeshi bowlers. He bowled 58 overs and took 1 wicket for 161 runs. Mehidy's economic rate was 2.77.
Taijul Islam (5/10)
Wickets: 2 | Econ: 3.62 | BBI: 2/163 | 5W: 0
Along with Mehidy, another spinner Taijul Islam bowled for a long time and picked 2 wickets in 45 overs at a 3.62 economy rate. Taijul could not produce any magic spell as the pitch was heavily batting-friendly.
Taskin Ahmed (6/10)
Wickets: 3 | Econ: 3.73 | BBI: 3/112 | 5W: 0
After a long absence, fast bowler Taskin Ahmed joined the Bangladesh Test team and showed good bowling performance in the first Test. He was adamant to do something different despite Pallekele's pitch was offering much to the batters. Taskin picked the most 3 wickets for the team.
Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi (2/10)
Wickets: 0 | Econ: 4.00 | BBI: 0/76 | 5W: 0
Abu Zayed Rahi, a regular member of the Bangladesh Test XI in recent times, struggled to bowl well in this match. He bowled 19 overs and gave away 76 runs with an economy rate of 4.
Ebadat Hossain (2/10)
Wickets: 1 | Econ: 4.71 | BBI: 1/99 | 5W: 0
Despite taking a wicket, Ebadat Hossain was Bangladesh's most expensive bowler. In 21 overs, he gave away 99 runs at a 4.71 economy rate.
Read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Top five memorable performances in Test Cricket
Sri Lanka
Dimuth Karunaratne (10/10)
Runs: 244 | Ave: 244.00 | HS: 244 | 100s: 1
Player of the match-winner, Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne got a life early in the innings. After that, he did not have to look back. Karunaratne played the highest 244 runs knock for the Lankans and guided his side to set up a huge total on the board in the first innings.
Lahiru Thirimanne (5/10)
Runs: 58 | Ave: 58.00 | HS: 58 | 100s: 0
Despite batting on comfortable wickets, Sri Lankan opener Lahiru Thirimanne was unable to produce a meaningful impact. He was dismissed for only 56 runs. As a result, he was not given too many rating points.
Oshada Fernando (2/10)
Runs: 20 | Ave: 20.00 | HS: 20 | 100s: 0
Oshada Fernando completely failed with the bat in this match. He was dismissed for just 20 runs and returned back to the pavilion. As a result, he received the lowest rating among Sri Lankan batsmen.
Angelo Mathews(3/10)
Runs: 25 | Ave: 25.00 | HS: 25 | Wickets: 0
Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews returned to the Sri Lankan Test XI after a long absence. However, he didn't do well in this match. He made 25 runs with the bat and gave away 14 runs at a 2 economy rate in 7 overs and remained wicketless.
Dhananjaya de Silva (9/10)
Runs: 166 | Ave: 166.00 | HS: 166 | 100s: 1 | Wickets: 1 | Econ: 4.29 | BBI: 1/130 | 5W: 0
Dhananjaya de Silva was Sri Lanka's second most effective batsman in the match. He built a strong partnership with Karunaratne and was instrumental in helping the hosts reach 600 runs in the first innings. Dhananjaya's bat contributed 166 runs. With the ball, he also took one wicket in the first innings.
Read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Recap of the Key Test Records
Pathum Nissanka (2/10)
Runs: 12 | Ave: 12.00 | HS: 12 | 100s: 0
Middle-order batsman Pathum Nissanka had a difficult time in the middle. He was dismissed for just 12 runs. As a result, he received low rating points like Fernando.
Niroshan Dickwella (4/10)
Runs: 31 | Ave: 31.00 | HS: 31 | 100s: 0
Wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella batted in the lower middle order and attempted to collect some quick runs in the middle. He scored 31 runs from 33 balls.
PWH de Silva (4/10)
Runs: 43 | Ave: 43.00 | HS: 43 | 100s: 0 | Wickets: 0 | Econ: 2.80 | BBI: 0/15 | 5W: 0
Leg-spinner Hasaranga de Silva failed to make an impact with the ball but played a very effective knock with the bat. Came into bat at the lower order Hasaranga scored 43 runs in the first innings.
Suranga Lakmal (7/10)
Wickets: 3 | Econ: 2.31 | BBI: 2/21 | 5W: 0
Experienced pacer Suranga Lakmal was the only bowler to take wickets in both innings. Besides, this right-handed fast bowler was quite economical with the ball. Lakmal also played an important 22-run knock with the bat.
Vishwa Fernando (6/10)
Wickets: 4 | Econ: 2.85 | BBI: 4/96 | 5W: 0
Left-arm fast bowler Vishwa Fernando was the only bowler to take four wickets in an innings in the match. He took four wickets in Bangladesh's first innings. In this regard, Fernando was the most successful bowler in this match.
Read: BAN vs SL Cricket Test series 2021: Expected personal milestones to achieve
Bottom Line
According to the first Test player ratings, Kandy's pallekele ground was heavily favored by batsmen. Therefore, the batsmen have earned better ratings. While the bowlers were helpless on such a wicket. Based on the ratings, it would not be fair to say that the bowlers performed poorly in the match. The second Test will begin on April 29, at the same venue and the curator may aim to produce a pace-friendly wicket for the second match.
Rain forces early close of high-scoring Kandy Test
The Kandy Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Saturday ended as a high-scoring draw with one and half an hour left to play as rain forced an early close.
Tamim Iqbal and captain Mominul Haque remained unbeaten on 74 and 23. Bangladesh were batting at 100 for two in their second innings of the Test in which 1289 runs were scored for 17 wickets.
After the tea break of the final day, the Tigers were unable to take the field. The umpires waited for more than an hour to resume the game, but the rain wiped out the final session of the day.
It was the first draw for Bangladesh in the World Test Championship. They have now secured 30 points for their World Test Championship campaign.
Also read: Tamim hits fifty as Bangladesh take lead
Bangladesh lost Saif Hassan (1) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) at the start of their second innings. But Tamim Iqbal struck his second fifty of the match off 56 balls. He completed his fifty when the team total was 52 and ended the game on 74 off 98 balls with ten fours and three sixes.
Sri Lanka declared on 648 for eight at the lunch break of the final day, securing a lead of 107 runs.
Dimuth Karunaratne and Dhananjaya de Silva scored 244 and 166. It was the career-best innings for Karunaratne and second-best for Dhananjaya.
Taskin Ahmed was the best bowler for Bangladesh in the high-scoring Test, taking three wickets, while Taijul Islam bagged two wickets.
In the first innings of the match, Bangladesh declared on 541 for seven with Najmul (163) and Mominul (127). It was the maiden ton for Najmul in Tests while Mominul scored his first in an away Test.
Also read: Bangladesh lose early wickets after Sri Lanka declare on 648
Tamim, Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das scored a fifty each for the visitors in the first innings.
Vishwa Fernando was the most successful bowler for the hosts taking four wickets for 96 runs.
Karunarate was awarded the player of the match award for his outstanding 244.
After five days of Test, dominated almost entirely by the bat, Mominul applauded the best performers of his team saying: "I think it was a team performance. Everyone contributed, especially Shanto. Also, the bowlers tried hard, especially Taskin, Miraz and Taijul."
Sri Lankan captain Karutarate said, "We thought the wicket would have good pace and bounce, but in these conditions, with the heat, it was a bit flat. In the final Test, which starts on Thursday, we want a sporting wicket that will offer some help to the bowlers as well."
Karunaratne, Dhananjaya send Tigers on a leather hunt
Bangladesh spent an entire day on the field but failed to take a wicket as hosts Sri Lanka piled on the runs in Kandy on day 4, before bad light stopped play in the first Test.
The Tigers bowled 76 overs on Saturday and conceded 283 runs. An earlier stoppage together with the early call of stumps meant 14 overs were lost. Still it was the fourth time that Bangladesh spent an entire day on the field without a wicket coming their way. Conversely, it was the sixth instance of Sri Lanka batting an entire day without losing a wicket.
Or put another way, the same two batsmen who walked on to the field at the start of the day's play walking off with their wickets intact at stumps. For the fourth wicket, Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne and all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva have now posted 322 runs. At the end of day four, Karunarate remained unbeaten on a career-best 234, while Dhananjaya was batting at 154.
Also read: Karunaratne, de Silva continue to trouble Bangladesh
Bangladesh's lead has now come down to 29 runs and would easily have been erased in all likelihood, if the overs weren't lost. At one point there was even talk of the Sri Lankan captain eyeing a daring declaration with any sort of lead, to give the Bangladesh openers a short, uncomfortable period to survive on the fourth day itself.
Now the islanders might try to score some quick runs in the fifth morning and test Bangladesh's nerves in the last two sessions.
Sri Lanka hold firm as Karunaratne hits century
Sri Lanka continued to respond well in the Kandy Test against Bangladesh. Riding on the century of Captain Dimuth Karunarante, the hosts were batting at 331 for three in 104 overs at the launch break on day four.
They ended day three at 229 for three. In the first session of day four, they added 102 runs without losing any wicket. Karunaratne and allrounder Dhananjaya de Silva were batting at 85 and 26 respectively at the end of day three.
In the fourth wicket partnership, these two have already added 141 runs facing 249 balls so far.
For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed bagged one wicket each.
They, however, are still 210 runs behind the visitors’ first innings total of 541 runs for seven.
Also read:Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Recap of the Key Test Records
Earlier, Bangladesh declared the first innings at 541 for seven wickets in 173 overs before the lunch break of day three.
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque dominate in the first two days as they have struck a century each. It was the first Test for Najmul, and Mominul recorded his maiden century in away Tests.
Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das have struck a fifty each for the visitors.
Also read:BAN vs SL Cricket Test series 2021: Expected personal ...
It was the sixth-highest Test innings for the Tigers, and third highest in the overseas Tests.
For Sri Lanka, Vishwa Fernando was the most successful bowler who bagged four wickets in the batting paradise conceding 96 runs in 35 overs while Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara and Dhananjaya de Silva took one wicket each.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Five Times When Bangladesh Stun Sri Lanka
At present, winning against Sri Lanka is not out of reach for Bangladesh. However, there was a time when Bangladesh had to battle hard to snatch victory against the Lankans. Bangladesh have emerged as one of the strongest one-day international teams in the world after overcoming those challenges. But, tiger cricket fans are still overwhelmed with emotion when they recall those historic victories. Bangladesh cricket has undoubtedly progressed to this point as a result of some outstanding victories over the years. This article discusses, five times when Bangladesh stunned Sri Lanka. So, without further ado let’s take a look at the list.
Bangladesh’s five memorable victories against Sri Lanka
5) Nidahas Twenty20 Tri-Series (March, 2018)
In 2018, the T20 format Nidahas Trophy was a memorable series for Bangladesh.Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in both matches in the group stage of this series. Sri Lankan fans expected their team to face India in the final, but Bangladesh secured the final by defeating Sri Lanka by 2 wickets in the do-or-die match. In that match, Mahmudullah Riyad smashed a 43-run unbeaten innings in 18 balls to ensure Bangladesh's victory. The departure of the host before the final was intolerable to the Sri Lankans.
Read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series 2021: Test Rankings Prediction
4) Asia Cup (February, 2016)
Bangladesh took on Sri Lanka in the third match of the 2016 Asia Cup. Bangladesh had no choice but to win the match in order to advance to the final. The tigers were expecting to defeat the Lankans since the tournament is in T20 format. Bangladesh scored 147 runs for 7 wickets, thanks to Sabbir Rahman's superb innings of 80 runs off 54 balls. In response, Sri Lanka only scored 124 runs in 20 overs for the loss of 8 wickets. Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by 23 runs and drowned them in despair.
3) Bilateral Test Series (March, 2017)
Bangladesh's only Test victory over Sri Lanka came in Colombo in 2017. Bangladesh scored 467 runs in response to Sri Lanka's 337 in the first innings to take a 129-run lead. Bangladesh were able to take control of the match after taking a first-inning lead of more than 100 runs.Bangladesh reached the winning target of 191 runs for the loss of six wickets thanks to Tamim Iqbal's 82 runs. As a result, Bangladesh won the match by four wickets. It was one of Bangladesh's greatest victories in the country's Test cricket history.
Read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Top five memorable performances in Test Cricket
2) Asia Cup (March, 2012)
Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in a do-or-die match to secure the 2012 Asia Cup final against Pakistan, and tiger fans were ecstatic after that victory. Shakib Al Hasan was instrumental in Bangladesh's win, he batted and bowled beautifully in that match. Batting first, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 232 with one ball to spare. In a rain-affected match, Bangladesh reached the winning target for the loss of 5 wickets with 17 balls to spare. The best player of the match, Shakib Al Hasan took two wickets with the ball and scored 56 off 46 balls with the bat.
1) Bilateral ODI Series (February, 2006)
In 2006, Bangladesh secured it’s first-ever victory against Sri Lanka in the second match of the bilateral ODI series in Bogra. Bangladesh shocked the cricketing world by beating Sri Lanka by four wickets. While batting first, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 212 runs.In reply, Bangladesh reached the winning target by losing 6 wickets with two overs in hand. Talented Aftab Ahmed won the player of the match award after his brilliant all-round display.
Read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Recap of the Key Test Records
Bottom Line
Even a decade earlier, defeating Sri Lanka was a tough task. So this list of ‘five times when Bangladesh stunned Sri Lanka’ is truly special achievements for Bangladesh.Bangladesh will be able to snare many more historic victories in the future, not just against Sri Lanka but also against other major teams, if they continue improving. And hopefully, the roaring tigers' will win the World Cup one day.
Read: BAN vs SL Cricket Test series 2021: Expected personal milestones to achieve
Sri Lanka make steady progress against Bangladesh's 541
Sri Lanka have responded well to Bangladesh's first-innings total of 541 in the Kandy Test, scoring 229 for three in 73 overs in the Kandy Test.
At the end of day three on Friday, captain Dimuth Karunaratne and all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva were batting at 85 and 26. Sri Lanka are trailing by 312 runs with two days to left play.
The Lankans started well before the lunch break of day three, posting 114 runs in the first wicket stand, thanks to 58 off Lahiru Thirimanne.
For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed bagged one wicket each.
Earlier, the Tigers declared the first innings at 541/7 in 173 overs before the lunch break of day three. This is the sixth-highest Test innings for the Tigers and the third-highest in overseas Tests.
Also read: Kandy Test: Bangladesh declare posting a mammoth score
Both overnight batsmen, Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das scored a 50 each. Liton fell prey to Vishwa Fernando, for 50, Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 68.
After Liton's dismissal, Bangladesh lost Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam in quick succession. Taskin Ahmed came to bat at number nine and remained not-out for six.
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque dominated the first two days of the game, hitting a 100 each. It was the first Test 100 for Najmul, and Mominul recorded his maiden century in away Tests.
Also, Tamim Iqbal set the tone for Bangladesh's innings, scoring 90 runs.
For Sri Lanka, Vishwa Fernando was the most successful bowler who bagged four wickets in the batting paradise, conceding 96 runs in 35 overs, while Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara and Dhananjaya de Silva took one wicket each.
Ban v SL: Domingo expects quick runs on third morning
Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo says he is expecting some quick runs on the morning of the third day of Kandy Test to put more pressure on hosts Sri Lanka.
The play of the second day ended early due to bad light when Bangladesh were batting at 474 for four, with Mushfiqur Rahim (43*) and Liton Das (25*) at the crease.
“We’ll discuss it (how many runs are safe) overnight but we need to get some quick runs tomorrow morning,” Domingo told the media through a virtual press conference at the end of day two. “If we can get around 520, it gives us a good opportunity to put them under some pressure.”
Also read: Ban v SL Day 2: Tigers 474/4 at stumps
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque have struck centuries. While it was the maiden ton for Najmul, Mominul recorded his first in away Tests. Domingo lauded both for their performance.
“I think there’s been a lot of discussion about how he goes about his innings. Being a bit more patient, leaving a few more balls, cutting out certain scoring areas. He has played a fantastic innings. I’m really pleased with him. He’s worked really hard on his game in the last couple of months,” Domingo said about Shanto.
“I think Mominul understands his game really well. He’s a very calm person. I think his demeanour lends him to be a very organised Test batsman. He’s meticulous in his preparation. I think he’s a fantastic Test batsman and he’s trying his best to lead the side. He got a hundred against the West Indies, and followed up with a hundred here again,” Domingo said.
Also read: Mominul scores first century on foreign soil
The wicket of Kandy is mostly friendly to the batsmen. In the first two days, bowlers hardly got anything from the wicket.
“Winning the Test is a long way away. It’s not something we’re thinking about at the moment. Our main focus is to play well in the first session tomorrow. There’s a lot of hard work ahead of us to even consider thinking of winning this Test,” Domingo added.
Ban v SL Day 2: Tigers 474/4 at stumps
Bangladesh scored a massive 474/4 in 155 overs at the end of day 2 of the Kandy Test against Sri Lanka.
The umpires called the second day after keeping the game stopped for more than an hour due to bad light.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das were unbeaten for 43 and 25 respectively.
The sky was dark at local time 4pm when the batsmen returned to the dressing room due to the bad light and waited for more than an hour for the game to resume. The umpires called it a day at local time 5pm.
Sri Lankan bowlers were disciplined on day two and kept the run rate lower than the previous day. Despite that, Bangladesh's superb batting performance have put them in the driving seat.
Najmul Hossain Shanto hit his maiden ton (163) while Mominul Haque fell for 127, his first century on foreign soil.
Also read: Mominul scores first century on foreign soil
The 242-run partnership between Najmul and Mominul is now the highest third-wicket stand for Bangladesh in Tests.
Najmul prodded a return catch to Lahiru Kumara to get dismissed while Mominul tried to drive off Dhananjaya de Silva away from his body with an angled bat but ended up giving a catch to Lahiru Thirimanne at the first slip.
On day one, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. They lost opener Saif Hassan in the second over of the match. But the visitors recovered from the initial damage as Tamim Iqbal and Najmul put up a 144-run partnership in the second wicket stand.
This series is part of the World Test Championship. Bangladesh have played five matches of this event and failed to win any of them. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, played 10 matches -- one win, six losses and three draws.
Bangladesh played a total of 12 matches in Sri Lanka and won one of them in 2017 which was Bangladesh’s last overseas Test win to date.
BD v SL: Najmul eyes to bat longer in Kandy Test
Bangladesh top-order batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto said they are looking forward to batting longer to ensure a commanding position for the Tigers in the Kandy Test against Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh won the toss on Wednesday and opted to bat first in the first Test of the two-match series. They accumulated 302 runs for two wickets at the end of the day thanks to the maiden ton by Najmul (126*).
“It’s too early to think about the result of this game,” Najmul told a virtual press conference after day’s play. “It’s just day one. The longer we can bat, the more control we’ll have in this game. We’re looking forward to batting for a long time.”
Najmul came to the national set-up playing at all stages of the development group of Bangladesh cricket. But he disappointed with the bat in six Tests that he played so far. Najmul, however, played well at the domestic circuit.
“I had nothing to prove,” Najmul added. “I’ve worked so hard over the last four-five months. So I believed that I score at any moment. I was relaxed at the wicket. I just wanted to stay calm and keep enjoying my batting which eventually resulted in a good way.”
Also read: BD v SL: Najmul hits maiden Test ton as Tigers take control
Bangladesh lost the right-handed opener, Saif Hassan, off the last ball of the second over of the match which forced Najmul to come to bat early in the morning. He took it as an opportunity and batted through almost the entire day.
The 22-year-old batsman has credited Tamim Iqbal for his success. He said: “It was tough to bat in the first session as there was some movement. Tamim told me to stay calm and play carefully. He also said the wicket is good to bat. Tamim batted well which helped me to take some time and get adapted.”
Najmul partnered with Tamim in the second wicket to post 144 runs, and he accompanied Mominul Haque in the third wicket to add 150 runs on the board – the highest third-wicket partnership for Bangladesh in away Tests.
“I didn’t think much about how many balls I faced or how many runs I scored. We were focused to make big partnerships. We took one step at a time which helped to come up with the big partnerships. Now the next session is very important for us. If we can play well in the first session, it’ll help us to understand how many runs we need to in the first innings and after that, we may think about winning this game,” Najmul added.
BD v SL: Najmul hits maiden Test ton as Tigers take control
Najmul Hossain Shanto registered his maiden Test century on Wednesday as Bangladesh took control of Kandy Test against Sri Lanka.
At the end of the first day’s play, Tigers had amassed 302 for two wickets. Najmul and Mominul Haque were unbeaten for 126 and 64 respectively. Najmul hit 14 fours and one six while Mominul scored six fours.
Bangladesh captain Mominul won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision proved to be right despite losing Saif Hassan in the second over of the innings.
After Saif’s dismissal, Najmul came and batted with great discipline through almost the entire day. He partnered with Tamim in the second wicket to post a partnership of 144 runs.
Najmul accompanied Mominul in the third wicket stand, which was impregnable at the end of the day, to add 150 runs. It is now the highest third-wicket partnership for Bangladesh in away Tests. They still have a good chance to make it even bigger.