Mushfiqur Rahim’s recent century in Galle marked a significant moment for Bangladesh cricket. Facing Sri Lanka, Mushfiqur and Najmul Hossain Shanto turned the tables after their team’s early setback. Reduced to 45 for 3 on the first day due to impressive bowling from Tharindu Rathnayake and Asitha Fernando, Bangladesh seemed under pressure. But the duo staged a commendable recovery, reaching stumps unbeaten with Mushfiqur on 105 and Shanto on 136, setting the stage with a solid partnership of 247 runs.
Mushfiqur’s effort was his 12th century in Tests and the first in over a year, breaking a lean patch that peaked with a high of 40 against Zimbabwe. Reflecting on his fondness for Galle, Mushfiqur noted, “I think I get a pretty good wicket every time I have played in Galle,” recalling his historic double century at the same ground 12 years earlier.
The pitch in Galle, according to Shanto before the match, is often favourable to batters early on. Mushfiqur’s advice to his team concerned the need to exploit these conditions before spinners take over. “We knew that one of us out of the seven batters had to capitalise on the first two days in Galle,” Mushfiqur explained. His love for Sri Lanka shows in his reflections, “After Bangladesh, I [most] love playing in Sri Lanka. There is always a sporting wicket.”
Despite the performance, Mushfiqur admitted it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, applied pressure through strategic field placements and bowling changes. Mushfiqur, demonstrating patience, spent 23 balls in the nervous nineties before securing his century.
“These are not easy runs,” Mushfiqur remarked. “It shows that they are a tough side to score against.” His dedication to his process and adaptability served Bangladesh well against a challenging opponent, displaying how grit can pay off when faced with adversity in cricket.
