Shadman backs Bangladesh batters after tough Day 1

June 26, 2025

Shadman Islam defended Bangladesh's batting after a rain-interrupted opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Despite several batters getting starts, none converted them into big scores.
Shadman top-scored with 46, while Mominul Haque (21), Mushfiqur Rahim (35), Litton Kumar Das (34), and Mehidy Hasan (31) also got starts.
"You cannot score runs without playing shots. We played shots in Galle too where those ended in boundaries. But unfortunately, maybe it was not our day today," Shadman said.
"Nothing like that (trying to score at a good pace). Maybe some shots were wrong. It's part of cricket," he added.
Shadman suggested the rain interruption played a part in their performance.
"The batters need to get set again after a break. Maybe it played a role," he said.
Shadman defended the captain's decision to bat first, saying 270-280 runs would be a good score on the slow wicket.
Sri Lanka's bowling coach, Thilina Kandamby, admitted he was surprised by the wicket's behavior.
"It's quite an unusual wicket at the SSC. Normally, you get true bounce here, but today it was a bit two-paced. The pace and bounce weren't consistent, and the ball came off the surface slower than we expected," Kandamby said.
He praised the fast bowlers for their performance.
"The fast bowlers really showed character. They picked up key wickets and kept us in the game," he said.
Kandamby also expressed confidence in Prabath Jayasuriya, who is slightly out of form.

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