June 19, 2025 | Dubai, UAE- Bangladesh took control against Sri Lanka in the First Test match of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka. The partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque created the highest third-wicket record in the Bangladesh team. Combined, they propelled the hosts into a dominant spot heading into Day 4 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
This combo of left-handers contributed 281 runs, which is Bangladesh’s highest combination against Sri Lanka for the third-wicket. This powerful performance of the team secured 423 for 4 by stumps in the match of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
Shanto added 17,3, the best of his career, on the other side, Mominul was still undefeated at close on 132. In the end of the first innings, Bangladesh scored 195-run. Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 228 was overshadowed because of this partnership. It has shifted momentum strongly toward Bangladesh in the match between Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka.
Shanto Leads And Mominul Back
Shanto and Mominul played the batting through both sessions, morning and afternoon, after resuming at 119 for 2. They didn’t offer any chance to Sri Lanka. With a cautious start on day 2, Shanto shifted gears confidentially, bringing up his fourth Test century with a full-executed pull to deep square leg in Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka’s match.
His 173 turned out to be 257 deliveries, including 19 boundaries. His dismissal came late in the day, as he chased a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando. He was caught in the slips. But not before putting Bangladesh firmly in control of the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match.
After a long gap, Mominul returned to the side and displayed a cool-headed personality with skilled accuracy. In his 13th Test, the former skipper scored a hundred in 219 balls, strengthening his confidence after a run drought in Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka’s match. After Shanto’s departure, Mominul stood firmly and looked well-positioned to support the tailenders. Besides Litton Da, both extend to lead on Day 4. Litton was not out on 26.
Struggle of Sri Lanka
Kasun Rajitha and Prabath Jayasuriya both lead Sri Lanka’s bowling squad. But they failed to move forward, and the strategy didn’t work for them the whole day. The viewers couldn’t hold their hope steadily, even though the changes in bowling and setting the field in the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva switched to spinners and part-timers in the early stages. However, the pitch in Chattogram offered minimal support for them and missed a couple of chances. It frustrated Sri Lanka in the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match.
“We didn’t bowl in the right areas long enough,” de Silva agreed in the end. “They batted really well and made us pay.” In the first session before declaring on Day 4, Bangladesh is expected to bat with a strong lead and have six wickets in hand. Sri Lanka’s target would put it beyond 350 under overwhelming tension. Bangladesh’s bowlers shot out Sri Lanka for 228 early. That confidence will be headed towards in the final innings. The spinners are Taijul Islam and Mahidy Hasan, played a crucial role in the pitch.
Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha applauded the team members after the end of the play. “ This is how Test cricket should be played responsibly and relentlessly. Both Shanto and Mominul paced their innings with intelligence, and that set the tone for the day,” he stated. Alongside, Shanto added, “We are not thinking too far ahead. We want to continue with the same discipline and make sure we don’t let go of this advantage.”
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