On the third day of the Sylhet Test yesterday, Najmul Hossain Shanto oozed class with a record-breaking tonne against New Zealand, laying the groundwork for Bangladesh to claim a rare red-ball victory.
He stitched together two significant partnerships, first with Mominul Haque for 90 runs, then with Mushfiqur Rahim for an unbroken 96 runs, allowing the hosts to close the day on 212 for three in their second innings and, more importantly, with a 205-run advantage.
Shanto’s dismissal in the first innings, when he was out to a full throw off Glenn Phillips, had been nearly unexplainable. Despite hitting the sweet part of the bat on a 35-ball 37 on Tuesday, his over-aggressive approach cost him the game. Two days later, however, the stand-in Bangladesh captain made no such mistakes and maintained his upbeat attitude.
The role of a captain is to lead from the front. Shanto had made an impression during New Zealand’s innings with his attacking field placements and bowling alterations based on match conditions. The southpaw maintained his form with a Test-calibre innings yesterday, one that would allow him to make a deeper impression on the team as captain.
After losing both openers in quick succession, Shanto took command, preventing the New Zealand bowlers from settling into a line against him. He also didn’t get bogged down. His retaliation ensured that runs continued to flow.
In contrast to the first inning, he played everything along the ground and almost little in the air. Reverse-sweep became an excellent addition to his arsenal, and he exhibited the necessary skill and confidence.
Shanto’s perseverance paid off in the final over of the day. With a single off Ajaz Patel, the 25-year-old hit the magical three digits off 192 deliveries and celebrated in customary fashion, leaping in the air before kissing his bat.
Shanto’s fifth Test century was his third in the previous four innings. He was also the first Bangladesh player to score a century in his Test captaincy debut and the only Bangladesh player to score five international tonnes in a calendar year. He has two ODI hundreds and three Test hundreds this year.
Mominul, who arrived at the news conference following the day’s play, lauded his captain’s continued form. “Overall, an outstanding innings [by Shanto] and against a side who are playing with a lot of passion.”
Kyle Jamieson, a Kiwi paceman, praised Shanto’s innings as “impressive” and “quite clinical” during his press conference.
Despite a remarkable day, Shanto’s work is far from done, as Bangladesh will be hoping he can bat as long as possible today.