Colombo, June 22 (V7N) – Even before the Galle Test against Sri Lanka officially ended in a draw, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was already facing a wave of online criticism. Supporters were displeased with his cautious approach on the final morning, believing his slow batting delayed the declaration and cost Bangladesh a possible win.

Many fans argued that instead of playing with an aggressive mindset, Shanto opted for a defensive strategy aimed at securing a safe draw. Some went further to claim that the captain prioritized scoring a century over pushing for a team victory. As is often the case in cricket, unfulfilled expectations quickly turned into public disappointment.

Had the fifth day’s first session not been interrupted by rain—after just an hour of play—it’s possible that Bangladesh might have created a winning opportunity. However, the three-hour delay due to weather disrupted momentum and effectively dashed any realistic hopes of a result.

Despite the criticism, the drawn match was not without its positives. Shanto struck centuries in both innings, Mushfiqur Rahim added another hundred, and spinner Nayeem Hasan impressed with a five-wicket haul. These performances have filled Bangladesh with confidence ahead of the series-deciding second Test in Colombo, starting June 25 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.

Yet the larger concern surrounding the team remains their apparent lack of boldness—both on and off the

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