Najmul Hossain Shanto becomes first cricketer in history to....

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto has entered the record books following his sensational batting performances in the first Test match against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium. Shanto became the first Bangladeshi Test captain to score centuries in both innings of a Test match.

Najmul Hossain Shanto began with 148 runs in the first innings. The visiting team posted a massive total of 495 runs in the first innings of the ongoing Test match. Sri Lanka responded with 485 runs in their first outing. It became clear by the second session of the final day that a draw was the most likely result.

Najmul Hossain Shanto Becomes First Bangladesh Test Captain to Hit Centuries in Both Innings

In response to Sri Lanka's first-innings total of 485 runs, Bangladesh faced early setbacks in their second innings, with Anamul Haque and Mominul Haque dismissed cheaply in quick succession.

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However, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shadman Islam steadied the innings with a 68-run partnership for the third wicket. Shadman was dismissed after scoring 76, while Shanto remained unbeaten on 125 off 199 balls. Bangladesh declared their innings, setting a target of 296 runs for Sri Lanka.

Shanto became the first Bangladesh Test captain to score centuries in both innings of a match. This is the second time in his career that he has smashed twin centuries in a Test.

Shanto also became the first Bangladesh batter to record hundreds in both innings of an away Test. Mominul Haque and Shanto had hit twin centuries at home against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, respectively.

Bangladesh Batters To Score A Century In Both Innings Of A Test

Najmul Hossain Shanto Records Most Runs by a Bangladesh Test Captain

Shanto also recorded the most runs by a Bangladesh Test captain in a single match. He scored 273 runs across both innings, surpassing the previous record of 200 held by Mushfiqur Rahim, which was also achieved against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium in 2013.

Most Runs in a Test Match by a Bangladesh Captain

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Twin Tons Silence Doubts At Crucial Time

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s twin centuries came at a critical stage of his career, amid doubts over his leadership and Bangladesh’s performances away from home. His composed batting under pressure lifted team morale and gave Bangladesh fans plenty to celebrate.

Meanwhile, Angelo Mathews is playing his farewell Test. Sri Lanka will hope to give him a fitting send-off, but the match seems headed for a draw. At the time, Sri Lanka were 34 for 2 in 8 overs.

Opener Lahiru Udara was dismissed for 8 by Taijul Islam, while Nayeem Hasan removed Pathum Nissanka, who made 24 off 25 balls, in the following over. The hosts now need to survive the final session to avoid defeat.

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