When Nazmul Hossain Shanto walked out to bat for the second time on the final day of the first Test against Sri Lanka, few expected he’d rewrite history — but by stumps, he had. The Bangladesh national cricket team fought to a dramatic draw at the Galle International Stadium on June 21, 2025, thanks to Shanto’s monumental 148 in the first innings and a gritty 102 in the second — making him the first Bangladeshi captain to score twin centuries in a single Test. The match, which ended 285/6 declared for Bangladesh and 72/4 for Sri Lanka in the fourth innings, wasn’t won — but it was claimed by resilience, grit, and one man’s brilliance.
A Captain’s Masterpiece
Shanto, 28, didn’t just play well — he played with purpose. His first-innings 148 came off 247 balls, laced with 17 boundaries and a single six, anchoring Bangladesh’s 495 after they elected to bat. But it was his second-innings century — scored under pressure with the series on the line — that turned heads. With Sri Lanka needing 300 to win and the pitch crumbling under the weight of five days’ play, Shanto batted for 218 minutes, facing 189 deliveries. He didn’t just survive; he dictated terms. When he fell lbw to Dushmantha Chameera, the crowd fell silent — not because they expected a collapse, but because they’d just witnessed something rare.
The 245-Run Partnership That Changed Everything
The real story, though, wasn’t just Shanto. It was the 245-run stand between him and Anamul Haque Bijoy — the longest partnership in Bangladesh’s Test history against Sri Lanka. Anamul, 32, had been written off after a lean run, but he responded with a patient 97, his highest Test score in nearly four years. Their partnership, which lasted 71.3 overs, broke Sri Lanka’s rhythm. Spinners Dilruwan Perera and Maheesh Theekshana were targeted relentlessly. Even the normally unflappable Kusal Mendis looked rattled watching from the pavilion. The numbers don’t lie: Bangladesh scored 176 runs in the 50 overs of that partnership — more than Sri Lanka managed in their entire first innings.
Behind the Scenes: Bangladesh’s Batting Depth
It wasn’t just Shanto and Anamul. The trio of senior batsmen — Mominul Haque (29), Mushfiqur Rahim (42), and Shanto — accounted for 327 of Bangladesh’s 495 runs. Mushfiqur, 36, who many thought had retired from Tests, played a crucial 42-ball 42, including three boundaries that shifted momentum after a shaky start. The collective experience of these three — 1,123 Test matches between them — turned a potential batting collapse into a statement. This wasn’t luck. It was legacy.
Why Sri Lanka Couldn’t Close It Out
Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, entered the match hoping to exploit Bangladesh’s fragile away record. But their attack, missing the injured Mahedi Hasan, lacked penetration. Mohammad Naim, the 26-year-old pace bowler, took 5/72 in the first innings — his best Test figures — exploiting the rough outside off-stump. Sri Lanka’s top order, including Dhananjaya de Silva (12 in the second innings), crumbled under pressure. Even their captain, Shanaka, who took 2/47 with the ball, couldn’t disguise the frustration on his face as the clock ticked toward stumps on Day 5.
A Test That Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
This draw wasn’t just a result — it was a turning point. Bangladesh, long seen as underdogs on overseas tours, now have proof they can compete. They’ve never won a Test in Sri Lanka. But this? This was a moral victory. The 245-run stand, the twin centuries, the refusal to buckle — all of it signals a new confidence. And for Sri Lanka? It’s a warning. After losing the first Test at home, they now face two more — in Colombo and Kandy — with their World Test Championship hopes hanging by a thread. They need wins. Bangladesh? They need momentum. And they’ve got it.
What’s Next? The Series Hangs in the Balance
The second Test begins July 12 in Colombo, followed by the third on July 20 in Kandy. Sri Lanka will likely bring back Mahedi Hasan and push for a more aggressive spin attack. Bangladesh, meanwhile, may rest Mushfiqur — but they won’t lose Shanto. His form has ignited the team. “We didn’t come here to make up the numbers,” Shanto said post-match. “We came to prove we belong.” And after this performance, no one’s doubting it anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Shanto’s double century in Bangladesh cricket history?
Shanto’s twin centuries are the first by any Bangladeshi captain in Test cricket and only the third double century by any Bangladeshi batsman in a single Test. He joins the elite company of Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal as the only Bangladeshis to score twin centuries in a Test. This performance elevates him beyond just captaincy — he’s now a cornerstone of the team’s identity.
What made the 245-run partnership between Shanto and Anamul Haque so special?
It was the highest partnership for any wicket between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Tests, surpassing the previous record of 223 set in 2018. More importantly, it came when Bangladesh was 115/3 in their second innings, with the match slipping away. Their calm, disciplined batting under pressure turned a potential defeat into a draw — and sent a message to every bowling attack in the world.
How did Mohammad Naim’s performance impact the match?
With Mahedi Hasan sidelined due to injury, Naim stepped up as Bangladesh’s primary pace threat. His 5/72 in the first innings broke Sri Lanka’s top order, including the key wicket of Kusal Mendis. His ability to generate late swing and seam movement on a worn pitch gave Bangladesh control when spinners were being dominated. He’s now the first Bangladeshi fast bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Sri Lanka since 2007.
Why was this match crucial for Bangladesh’s World Test Championship chances?
Bangladesh entered the series with only 12.5% of their WTC points target met. A loss would have made qualification nearly impossible. This draw, however, earned them 14 points — enough to keep them mathematically alive. With two Tests left, they now need at least one win and a draw to have a realistic shot at reaching the final — a scenario once considered unthinkable.
How did Sri Lanka’s bowling attack perform under pressure?
Sri Lanka’s attack, missing their premier spinner Mahedi Hasan, looked disjointed. The pace trio of Chameera, Siraj, and Perera struggled to find consistent line and length. Even the experienced Theekshana, who took 3/102, was hit for 6.4 runs per over. The lack of a clear plan against Bangladesh’s middle order — especially Shanto’s ability to rotate strike — exposed their tactical rigidity.
What does this result mean for Bangladesh’s future tours?
This draw proves Bangladesh can now compete in challenging conditions — not just survive. With Shanto, Anamul, and Naim firing, and younger players like Tanzid Hasan emerging, the team has the foundation to challenge top sides abroad. Their next overseas assignment — a three-Test tour of South Africa in September — now looks less daunting. Confidence, not just talent, is their new weapon.