Bangladesh Captain Shanto Scores Twin Centuries to Secure Test Draw in Galle

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto made history by becoming the first Bangladeshi batsman to score centuries in both innings of a Test match twice, achieving this feat against Sri Lanka in Galle. Shanto scored 148 in the first innings and an unbeaten 125 in the second, helping Bangladesh declare at 285-6 and set Sri Lanka a target of 296 runs from 37 overs. Despite some early wickets, Sri Lanka, led by veteran Angelo Mathews in his final red-ball match, held on to secure a draw, with the hosts ending at 72-4. The match saw a cautious approach from Bangladesh, with rain interruptions and a slow scoring rate diminishing the likelihood of a win, although off-spinner Nayeem Hasan took five wickets to restrict Sri Lanka's lead. Shanto joined an elite group of international players who have scored centuries in both innings more than once, underscoring his growing stature in world cricket. The series will continue with the second Test in Colombo, followed by limited-overs matches.