Bangladesh Test team captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has achieved a significant and historic feat in cricket, a milestone previously unattained by any Bangladeshi captain.
Sports News: A new chapter has been added to the history of Bangladesh cricket. In the first Test match against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto set a record unmatched by any previous Bangladeshi captain. Shanto achieved the honor of becoming the first Bangladeshi captain to score centuries in both innings of a Test match.
In this match, he scored a magnificent 148 runs in the first innings, and when the team needed stability in the second innings, Shanto once again showcased his brilliance, scoring an unbeaten 125 runs. This not only challenged the opponents but also put Bangladesh in a b position.
One Match, Two Centuries: The True Meaning of Captaincy
In cricket, the expectations of a captain extend beyond strategy; they are expected to be an inspiration to the team. Shanto did just that. In the first innings of the Galle Test, when Bangladesh received early setbacks, he displayed patience and class, playing a 148-run innings. Then, when the team needed to solidify its lead in the second innings, Shanto played an unbeaten 125-run innings, ensuring Bangladesh set a challenging target for Sri Lanka.
Second Instance of a Double Century Feat
This is not the first time Shanto has scored centuries in both innings of a Test match. He previously achieved this feat against Afghanistan in Mirpur in 2023, though he wasn't captain then. This time, with the responsibility of captaincy on his shoulders, he excelled. With this achievement, Shanto has joined the select group of Asian players to score centuries in both innings of a Test match. He joins these legends in this exclusive club:
- Arvind de Silva (Sri Lanka)
- Rahul Dravid (India)
- Sunil Gavaskar (India)
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh)
Sri Lanka Set a Target of 296 Runs
Bangladesh declared their second innings at 285/4 on the fifth day, setting Sri Lanka a target of 296 runs to win. However, considering the time remaining in the match, achieving this target was unlikely, and the match seemed to be heading towards a draw. Nevertheless, Bangladesh's batting performance, especially Shanto's, indicated a significant psychological advantage for the team.
Speaking to the media after the match, Najmul Hossain Shanto said: "As captain, this innings is special for me. It is a matter of pride for me to contribute when the team needed it. My endeavor will be to continue performing in this manner and lead the team to new heights."
