After winning the toss, Bangladesh decided to bat first in the first Test match against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Starting an important series in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), this game marks Both teams wish to start the series with a great performance. Fans eager to see how the teams perform and who strikes the early lead as the game starts.
Toss and Team News
Having won the toss on a dry morning, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto decided to bat first. Shanto revealed his strategy at the toss; the pitch appeared perfect for early batting. He said, “The pitch looks good for batting at the start. We want to score runs first and then put pressure on our bowlers. Starting well in a Test series is very important.”
On the other hand, captain of Sri Lanka Dimuth Karunaratne claimed he would have bat first too. He supported his bowlers, though, to grab early wickets and create impact.
Playing XIs for the 1st Test Match:
Bangladesh Team:
Bangladesh picked a strong playing XI for the first Test. Here are the players:
- Zakir Hasan
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicketkeeper)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Taijul Islam
- Khaled Ahmed
- Shoriful Islam
- Ebadot Hossain
Sri Lanka Team:
Sri Lanka also named a balanced team for this important match. These are the players:
- Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain)
- Nishan Madushka
- Kusal Mendis
- Angelo Mathews
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Sadeera Samarawickrama (Wicketkeeper)
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Asitha Fernando
- Vishwa Fernando
- Kasun Rajitha
Day 1: Session-by-Session Updates
Morning Session: Bangladesh Makes a Steady Start
Bangladesh started the day well with openers Zakir Hasan and Mahmudul Hasan Joy. They batted carefully and showed good technique. In the first hour, the pitch gave a bit of movement, but both batters stayed calm and focused. Zakir played confidently, rotated the strike, and handled short balls well. At the same time, Joy gave strong support at the other end.
Bangladesh built up 13 overs of 43 runs without losing a wicket by the first drink break. Though the clear sky meant no swing, which made it more difficult for them, Sri Lankan fast bowlers Kasun Rajitha and Vishwa Fernando bowled with good control.
But Asitha Fernando brought Sri Lanka the breakthrough just before lunch. Mahmudul Hasan Joy came out for 28 runs, caught behind Kusal Mendis. This wicket gave Sri Lanka a much-needed lift and broke a strong 57-run opening stand.
Afternoon Session: Sri Lanka Fights Back Strong
After lunch, Sri Lanka’s bowlers came out with fresh energy. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya made an early impact. He dismissed Zakir Hasan for 41 when Zakir tried to cut and edged the ball to slip.
Then, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque tried to rebuild the innings. But Rajitha bowled a brilliant delivery that came back in sharply and bowled Shanto for 17.
Next, Angelo Mathews delivered a big moment. Returning to Test bowling after a long break, he dismissed Shakib Al Hasan for a low score. At this point, Bangladesh had slipped to 113/5, and Sri Lanka saw a big chance to take control.
However, Mushfiqur Rahim stayed calm and used his experience. Along with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, he built a strong partnership. The pair added 50 valuable runs and helped Bangladesh reach a more stable position by tea.
Evening Session: Mushfiqur Leads the Fight
Mushfiqur Rahim grabbed control after tea since the ball softened and the ground became easier to run on. He performed especially against the spinners, and on both sides of the wicket. Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided strong support by combining deliberate defense with some attacking strokes.
For the sixth wicket, they combined 82 crucial runs. Their cooperation upset the bowlers from Sri Lanka and raised the score past 200. Mehidy, however, left to sweep Prabath Jayasiriya against the spin for 43.
From 98 balls, Mushfiqur stayed tenacious and hit his fifty. In his long Test career, it was still another important inning. He kept Bangladesh moving toward a decent total and managed the strike deftly with the lower-order hitters.
Bangladesh finished the day at 258 for 7. Mushfiqur stayed not out on 66, at the other end with Shoriful Islam.
Day 1 Highlights: A Close Contest Begins
- After winning the toss, Bangladesh decided to bat first on a surface fit for that.
- At the top, Zakir Hasan performed brilliantly and scored 41 runs.
- On 66 Mushfiqur Rahim stayed perfect and guided the lower middle order with a calm and consistent innings.
- Bowlers from Sri Lanka divided the wickets. Prabath Jayasiriya and Kasun Rajitha claimed two wickets.
- The game appeared to be fairly balanced as Day 1 came to finish, which set up an interesting Day 2.
Day 2: What Should One Expect
Bangladesh wants to take their total past 300 and add more runs. Mushfiqur Rahim still bats on 66, and with the score at 258/7, they would want a good morning start.
Sri Lanka will try to grab the last three wickets rapidly on the other hand. They will seize the fresh morning conditions and try to start their batting before lunch.
Day Two’s first hour is quite crucial. It might set the tone for the entire game and enable one side to seize leadership.
End Note
The first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh started with a fair struggle. Bangladesh made a good effort, but the bowlers from Sri Lanka maintained the pressure on. One noticed the consistent knock of Mushfiqur Rahim. Both clubs are still in the tournament.
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