Bangladesh鈥檚 long-standing issue with their top order continued, despite a spirited fightback from the middle order that enabled the Tigers to secure a draw in the first match of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka on Saturday.
Opener Shadman Islam emerged as the only batter among the top three, scoring 29 and 76 in a match where fellow opener Anamul Haque Bijoy managed just 0 and 4, while Mominul Haque, a regular in the Test side, scored 29 and 14 runs, respectively.
The top three could add 45 runs in their first innings, and eventually, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim had to step up to save their innings.
Bangladesh tried four different opening combinations since last year鈥檚 South Africa series, involving four batters.聽
Only Shadman could maintain his spot with his consistent performance by notching up two half-centuries and a century across his last seven innings.
Anamul, who was added to the Test side for the Zimbabwe series after a two-year absence, following his impressive show in domestic cricket, failed to justify his selection again.
However, Shanto defended Anamul, who was expected to add some depth to the top order but eventually failed.
鈥楤ijoy Bhai [Anamul Haque] returned after a long gap. We should give him time. Once he feels more confident, things will be easier for him,鈥� Shanto told reporters on Saturday.
鈥業 am not worried about his last few innings. I am sure he will return well. I am hopeful that he can bring his domestic performance into the international arena.鈥�
Meanwhile, Shanto himself returned to form with the bat, ending a long slump by scoring centuries in both innings 鈥� 148 and 125 鈥� his first Test tons since his hundred against New Zealand in 2023.
It marked the second time in his career that he scored hundreds in both innings of a Test match, with the first against Afghanistan in Mirpur.
With this feat, the 26-year-old joined the elite list of players like Jacques Kallis and Kumar Sangakkara.
鈥業 am very happy (with my knocks). The preparation was good. I worked on some technical things before coming on this tour. I know the conditions and opponents鈥� threat. I had a plan, and I was clear about what I wanted to do,鈥� said Shanto.
鈥業 am very happy with my performance. I don鈥檛 focus on outside noise 鈥� it鈥檚 more important that I enjoy my cricket and contribute to the team.鈥�
Mushfiq also roared back to form with a commanding 163 in the first innings and 49 in the second. It was his first Test century since the Pakistan series and ended a 13-innings drought.
Their contribution helped Bangladesh post 495 and 285-6 declared against Sri Lanka, which is also only the second instance for the Tigers reaching the 400 mark in the last nine innings.
The second Test between the two countries begins at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on June 25.