![Najmul Hossain Shanto slams 6th century against Sri Lanka [Source: AP Photos]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1750157476726_Najmul_Hossain_Shanto_.jpg?type=mq)
Najmul Hossain Shanto slams 6th century against Sri Lanka [Source: AP Photos]
Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto showed great patience and determination as he scored his sixth Test century during the first Test match against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Tuesday, June 17. This Test also marks the start of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both teams.
Bangladesh had won the toss and chose to bat first, but things didn’t start well. The innings got off to a shaky start with opener Anamul Haque getting out for a duck after facing 10 balls in the very first session of the Day 1. Shadab Islam also struggled and was dismissed for 14 runs off 53 balls against Asitha Fernando.
Shanto Stays Calm After Losing Both The Openers
Despite the early wickets, the 26-year-old batter held his ground. He stayed calm under pressure and built his innings steadily. In the 74th over of Bangladesh’s first innings, Shanto reached his century off 202 balls.
The milestone moment came when Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya bowled a delivery down the leg side. Shanto played a paddle sweep and picked up two runs to reach his hundred. He celebrated his gutsy knock with joy, taking off his helmet and jumping in the air against the Sri Lankan crowd.
Notably, Shanto became the very first player in the World Test Championship cycle 25-27 to smash a century. This is also his second century against in Sri Lanka.
Talking about the match, Bangladesh are now in a strong position with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the way. He is getting great support from the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim, and together they’ve built an impressive 220-run partnership. At the moment, Bangladesh are comfortably placed at 265 for 3.
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