Sat Jun 28 10:10:00 UTC 2025: **Bangladesh Captain Laments Colombo Collapse, Cites Top-Order Failure in Series Loss**
**Colombo, Sri Lanka** – Outgoing Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has pointed to a disappointing batting performance in the first innings of the second Test in Colombo as the key factor in their 1-0 series defeat to Sri Lanka. Speaking after his team’s collapse on the fourth morning, Shanto expressed his frustration at failing to capitalize on winning the toss and electing to bat first.
“It was very disappointing, especially after the outstanding way we played in Galle,” Shanto said. “We didn’t perform well in this Test as a team. We didn’t bat well in the first innings. It is a major reason we lost the Test.”
Bangladesh were bowled out for a paltry 247 in their first innings, a stark contrast to their 495 in the first innings of the drawn Test in Galle. Sri Lanka responded with a formidable 458, putting immense pressure on the visitors who subsequently folded for just 133, with only one batter surpassing 25 runs.
Shanto emphasized the importance of the top order setting the tone, lamenting the fact that the first four batsmen failed to convert their starts into substantial scores. “Our first four batters got out in the 30s or 40s. It becomes difficult for the new batter to play a long innings. We need to improve in that area,” he stated.
While defending his decision to bat first, Shanto acknowledged that the execution fell short. “We didn’t take a wrong decision at the toss. We batted poorly in the first innings,” he said, adding that a score of 400-450 would have made the game a completely different contest.
Shanto also criticized the team’s bowling performance, particularly with the new ball, which allowed Sri Lanka to build a strong foundation. Despite a late fightback on the third day, the damage was already done.
Despite the series loss, Shanto highlighted the positive performance of Nayeem Hasan, praising his resilience after limited opportunities. He also defended the selection of experienced opener Anamul Haque, despite his failure to score big, citing his impressive first-class record and the struggles of other openers in recent months.
First Piper 