As the first ODI commenced at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, the Sri Lankan team felt a sense of confidence after setting a target of 255 runs for the home side. Their belief appeared justified during the initial overs, where the visiting pacers swiftly dismantled the top order of the Bangladesh lineup, leaving them struggling at 23 for the loss of three wickets.
However, the narrative took an unexpected turn with the arrival of Najmul Hossain Shanto at the crease. The left-handed batsman, shouldering the responsibilities of being the newly-minted captain of the Bangladesh team, reversed the momentum of the game in spectacular fashion. Showing poise and resolve, Shanto partnered with Mahmadullah and together, they crafted a vital 69-run partnership for the fourth wicket, slowly shifting the balance back towards the home team.
Though Mahmadullah’s contributing innings of 37 runs from the same number of balls came to an end, Shanto was far from finished. Exuding a calm yet aggressive approach, he maintained the pace of the chase meticulously. His innings blossomed as he found an able partner in the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim. Together, they formed an unassailable 165-run partnership, taking Bangladesh to the doorstep of a convincing victory. Shanto, particularly, was a sight to behold, effortlessly scoring boundaries and managing the strike with a mix of singles and doubles, keeping the required run rate well within reach.
The Sri Lankan bowlers, who had earlier sensed a potential win, found themselves increasingly helpless against Shanto’s masterclass. His unbeaten 122 consisted of an impressive tally of 13 fours and two sixes, an innings that firmly placed him at the heart of Bangladesh’s triumph by six wickets, with plenty of deliveries to spare.
Witnessing this exceptional performance, Mushfiqur Rahim, who remained not out with a sturdy 73 off 84 balls, was full of adulation for the captain. Post-match, his words underscored the significance of Shanto’s innings. According to ESPNcricinfo, Rahim highlighted the impact of leadership on Shanto’s performance, praising his capacity to rise to the occasion when bestowed with responsibility.
“Shanto thoroughly deserved the century. He was excellent. It was a one-man show tonight. I think leadership brings out the best in some individuals. Shanto is definitely one of them. He really enjoys the captaincy,” Rahim remarked. He went on to add, “Shanto is the sort of guy who has the mentality to take responsibility as a challenge. I knew that he would score runs at the highest level.”
This emphatic win, augmented by Shanto’s remarkable individual performance, sets the tone for Bangladesh as they continue their campaign with renewed confidence and the knowledge that they have a leader who doesn’t just lead from the front but carries the team with him. As the Bangla Tigers savor this victory, the cricketing world watches and waits for what this new chapter in Bangladesh cricket, under Shanto’s captaincy, will unfold.
