Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim surpassed Mohammad Ashraful’s record to become the country’s highest Test run-scorer in Sri Lanka during the first day of the Galle Test on June 17. He achieved this milestone with an unbeaten century of 105 runs, taking his total to 755 runs in Sri Lanka, while also forming a crucial 247-run partnership with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.Rahim’s achievement came as he overtook Ashraful’s previous record of 751 runs in 18 innings. His impressive average of 68.63 in Sri Lanka includes one century and five half-centuries across 15 innings. The record-breaking innings also helped Bangladesh get back on track after an early collapse at 45/3, with Rahim and Shanto batting through two sessions. Their partnership propelled Bangladesh to a strong position of 292/3 at stumps on the first day.The match holds additional significance as it marks Sri Lankan player Angelo Mathews’ retirement Test match. The veteran was given a guard of honour ahead of the game as well. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack struggled without key players Lahiru Kumara and Praveen Jayawickrama, failing to break the partnership that dominated most of the day’s play.
Amongst Bangladeshi batters in Sri Lanka, Tamim Iqbal holds the third position with 556 runs in 10 innings, followed by Mominul Haque with 428 runs in 10 innings, and Habibul Bashar with 291 runs in 16 innings. Rahim, who is approaching the end of his career, demonstrated his experience and skill by scoring his 28th Test fifty during this innings. His partner Shanto remained unbeaten on 136 off 260 balls at stumps.
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The partnership between Rahim and Shanto proved decisive as they batted flawlessly for over two sessions, putting Bangladesh in a commanding position. Their stand helped the team recover from the early setback and dominate the day’s play at the Galle International Stadium.
