Galle, June 18 (UNI) Mushfiqur Rahim's masterful 163 headlined a dominant batting display by Bangladesh on Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka here, as the visitors posted a commanding 484 for 9 at stumps, despite a late fightback from the hosts and a rain-curtailed day.
Rahim, registering his seventh 150-plus Test score, stitched a 149-run partnership with Litton Das (90), while Najmul Hossain Shanto laid the foundation earlier with a classy 148. The day's play was limited to just 61 overs due to rain, yet Bangladesh made the most of the available time, capitalising early before Sri Lanka pegged them back with five wickets for just 26 runs in the final session.
Shanto, who had received Rahim’s backing for a maiden double ton after the first day’s play, resumed with confidence, flicking stylishly over mid-wicket to push Bangladesh past 300. He eventually fell for 148, chipping Asitha Fernando to Angelo Mathews after surviving a close LBW appeal on 142.