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The opening Test of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the iconic Galle International Stadium has already delivered high drama and quality cricket. With both teams eager to start their campaigns on a positive note, the first two days have seen Bangladesh seize control, thanks to a remarkable batting display led by Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das. The visitors, after winning the toss and opting to bat, ended Day 2 at a commanding 484/9, despite rain interruptions that halted their momentum but failed to dampen their spirits.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das’ exceptional outing with the bat in Galle Test
After a shaky start on Day 1, where Bangladesh found themselves struggling at 45/3, it was the experienced Mushfiqur and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto who orchestrated a stunning recovery. Their partnership blunted the Sri Lankan attack, with Shanto compiling a patient 148 off 279 balls, and Mushfiqur anchoring the innings with a masterful 163 from 350 deliveries. The duo’s fourth-wicket stand of 247 runs not only rescued Bangladesh but also set a new record for the highest fourth-wicket partnership for Bangladesh in Tests against Sri Lanka.
Day 2 saw Mushfiqur continue his dominance, reaching his seventh Test score of 150 or more, while Das joined the party with a fluent 90 off 123 balls, including 11 boundaries and a six. Their fifth-wicket partnership frustrated the Sri Lankan bowlers, who toiled hard but found little assistance from the Galle surface. Litton’s aggressive intent complemented Mushfiqur’s composure, and together they added 113 runs for the fifth wicket, steering Bangladesh towards a mammoth total.
Bangladesh playing in a commanding position after a rain halt on Day 2
The second day’s play was not without its challenges. Rain intervened after lunch, forcing an early tea with Bangladesh at 423/4, Mushfiqur unbeaten on 159 and Litton solid on 61. The wet outfield and persistent showers meant Sri Lanka had to wait longer for breakthroughs, and when play resumed, Bangladesh continued to pile on the runs. By stumps, the visitors had reached 484/9, with Mushfiqur and Litton’s efforts drawing widespread praise from fans and pundits alike.
Social media buzzed with admiration for Bangladesh’s resilience and batting depth. Supporters lauded Mushfiqur’s grit and Litton’s flair, hailing the duo for putting the team in a dominant position. Many noted how Bangladesh, once reeling early on, had turned the tables with discipline and determination. The Sri Lankan bowlers, despite flashes of promise and a late surge from debutant Tharindu Rathnayake, Milan Rathnayake and Asitha Fernando, found themselves outclassed by Bangladesh’s application and temperament.
As the Test heads into its third day, Bangladesh’s imposing total and the psychological edge gained from this batting masterclass have set the stage for a fascinating contest. With rain still a threat and the pitch likely to deteriorate, fans are eager to see if Sri Lanka can mount a comeback or if Bangladesh will continue their march towards a historic away win.
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Here’s how fans reacted:
Day 2 Done! Bangladesh 484/9. Big fightback from our boys in the last session. All eyes on a strong start to Day 3! #SLvBAN #WTC27 pic.twitter.com/YRyXFU9ef9
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 18, 2025
Day 2, Stumps
Bangladesh: 484/9, Mushfiqur Rahim, Najuml Hossain Shanto and Litton Das played brilliantly 🏏#CricketTwitter #SLvsBAN #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/XewP3GUFjv
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 18, 2025
Mushfiqur Rahim now holds the record for scoring the most runs in international cricket (15,509) without bowling a single delivery! 🇧🇩🧤
Despite playing 473 matches, he has never bowled a single ball! 🤯👀#MushfiqurRahim #AdamGilchrist #ODIs #Tests #T20Is #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/nGwvJcLhoB
— Samantha akter 🇧🇩 (@PriyoRahbab) June 18, 2025
Mushfiqur Rahim falls for 163 but Bangladesh still are on the driving seat. #SLvsBAN pic.twitter.com/3VJGaArlDe
— Mohammad Jeelani Ansari (@MJ_ansari5) June 18, 2025
🔥 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓! 🔥
Mushfiqur Rahim scores a gritty 163 off 350 balls 💪 pic.twitter.com/T8s0Cvx5O9
— Daddyscore (@daddyscore) June 18, 2025
Mushfiqur Rahim falls after a brilliant 163 runs knock against Sri Lanka.
At 38, he showed pure class. a double ton was on the cards, but still a top-tier innings. pic.twitter.com/DVP5IyOwRN
— Raisul Rifat (@raisul_rifat88) June 18, 2025
He misses out on his 5th Test ton, but Litton Das has helped Bangladesh to a commanding position 👏 pic.twitter.com/TkKudnj46A
— EnVoYs🤝 (@Backbencher1863) June 18, 2025
First half-century for Litton Das in his last 26 international innings.#BANvSL
— KH Naeem 🇧🇩 (@Khnaeem962) June 18, 2025
15480+ Runs in International Cricket for Mushfiqur Rahim.
Most among players who never bowled a single ball.
Adam Gilchrist had the previous record – 15461
Via ESPNCricinfo #SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/dEJbyLZpiB
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) June 18, 2025
This is how Sri Lanka’s legendary ground staff springs into action during a rain delay! 🇱🇰🌧️💪
No one does it better — the best in the world, without a doubt! 🫡🔥♥️#SLvBAN #SriLanka #RainOrShine #DontStopStreaming #CatchEveryMatch pic.twitter.com/Js8RL3XZIH— Shehryar Haider (@Shehrya456456) June 18, 2025
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