Mushfiqur Rahim against Sri Lanka (Source: AP Photos)
Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh's leading run-scorer in Test cricket, has returned to form in style with a century against Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the Galle Test. The wicketkeeper batter notched up his hundred in 176 balls, which is his 12th in the format.
Rahim-Shanto Stand Takes Bangladesh To A Strong Position
Bangladesh lost early wickets after winning the toss and they needed Rahim to dig in deep and bat long. The experienced star did exactly that, and along with Najmul Hossain Shanto, he has taken Bangladesh to a formidable position with an unbeaten double-century stand.
Rahim walked out to bat at number 5 with Bangladesh three down for just 45 runs. The batter first weathered the storm and then rotated the strike beautifully in his typical style to bring his team back on track. Najmul Hossain Shanto also batted quite well at the other end, and the two experienced cricketers ensured that Bangladesh ended Day 1 with 292 on the board without any further damage.
Mushfiqur Rahim Shuts Down Calls For Test Retirement
The 38-year-old Rahim last scored a century in August 2024 against Pakistan, thus, there was pressure on him to score big. He retired from ODIs after Champions Trophy and with form not on his side, there were calls for his retirement from the Test format as well. However, he has shut down all those distractors now, and a hundred in the first match of the new WTC cycle is a big positive for Bangladesh.
Now, the right-handed batter would be hoping to continue his good form on Day 2 and take Bangladesh to a big first innings total in the all-important opening Test of the two-match series. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, needs to be better in their execution with the ball and take advantage of any help that would be on offer in the morning session of Day 2.
 "Aashay Chopade")
