A dramatic turn of events brought an early halt to the morning session on the fifth and final day of the first Test in Galle, as Mushfiqur Rahim was run out just one short of his half-century before rain forced the players off the field.
Resuming on 177 for 3 with a lead of 187 runs, Bangladesh looked intent on batting Sri Lanka out of the contest. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, the centurions from the first innings, continued their partnership with poise and purpose.
The pair extended their stand to 109 runs — their second century stand in the match — making them the first Bangladeshi duo to achieve the feat in a single Test. It was only the 51st time in Test history that the same pair produced two century partnerships in one match.
Shanto, who had a close call early in the day when a reverse sweep nearly cost him his wicket, remained unbeaten on 89 at the time of the interruption. He batted with calm authority, striking nine boundaries in his 167-ball innings so far.
Mushfiq, meanwhile, was closing in on a deserved fifty when he attempted a sharp single off Prabath Jayasuriya to reach the landmark. However, a quick pick-up and direct hit from Tharindu Rathnayake caught him just short, ending his innings on 49 off 102 balls. The partnership, which had soaked up 191 deliveries, was crucial in extending Bangladesh’s lead beyond 240 and pushing the hosts further back.
Moments after Mushfiq’s dismissal, the weather turned. Rain began falling over the Galle International Stadium, and the umpires called for covers. By then, Bangladesh had reached 237 for 4 in 76 overs, leading by 247 runs.
With time ticking away and conditions uncertain, the likelihood of a result diminishes — though this Test has defied expectations multiple times already. Bangladesh will hope for a window of play to potentially declare and try to force a win, but a draw remains the frontrunner if the rain persists.
Source: Daily Sun
Bd-pratidin English/TR
