Bangladesh’s veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim added another glorious chapter to his illustrious cricketing journey on Day 2 of the first Test match against Sri Lanka. In a brilliant display of class and composure, Rahim remained unbeaten at 159 runs by the end of the day, anchoring Bangladesh’s innings and etching his name in cricket history.
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But this wasn’t just about another Test century. This was about breaking a rare, quirky, yet significant record. With this knock, Rahim became the highest run-scorer in international cricket history without ever bowling a single ball — overtaking none other than legendary Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.
Most International Runs Without Bowling a Single Ball:
15,509 – Mushfiqur Rahim
15,461 – Adam Gilchrist
12,654 – Quinton de Kock
11,881 – Jos Buttler
11,581 – Jonny Bairstow
11,124 – Dinesh Chandimal
10,859 – Eoin Morgan
10,711 – Tom Latham
9,112 – Upul Tharanga
8,565 – KL Rahul
8,414 – Ajinkya Rahane
This achievement underlines Rahim’s consistent performance and longevity in the game. He has carved out a unique place for himself as a dependable batter who has never needed to roll his arm over to contribute massively to his team.
Partnership Power: Rahim and Shanto Shine
Bangladesh ended the day at 423/4, thanks to a mammoth partnership between Rahim and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who earlier slammed a classy 148 before being dismissed. The duo added a crucial 264-run stand for the fourth wicket, firmly putting the visitors in control of the match.
At stumps, Rahim stood tall at 159, while Litton Das supported him strongly with a fluent 61.
12th Test Century and Multiple Records for Rahim
This century marks Mushfiqur Rahim’s 12th in Test cricket, a remarkable achievement in itself. But the magic didn’t stop there.
With this century, Rahim also broke the records held by legendary cricketers Younis Khan and Sachin Tendulkar, becoming the oldest non-opener to score a Test century on Sri Lankan soil.
Mushfiqur Rahim: 38 years, 39 days
Younis Khan: 37 years, 216 days
Sachin Tendulkar: 37 years, 93 days
Triple Centurion vs Sri Lanka in Mid-30s
Rahim’s form against Sri Lanka has been nothing short of extraordinary in recent years. With this century, he now joins the elite club of players to have scored three Test hundreds against Sri Lanka after the age of 35. Only Younis Khan and Michael Hussey had achieved this before him.
In 2022, Rahim had scored two centuries against Sri Lanka — one in Mirpur, another in Chattogram.
Now, with his latest hundred in Galle, he further strengthens his record as one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent tormentors.
Among the Oldest Test Centurions vs Sri Lanka
Rahim also finds himself on another exclusive list — that of the oldest players to score a Test hundred against Sri Lanka:
- Misbah-ul-Haq – 39 years, 217 days
- Alec Stewart – 39 years, 66 days
- Mushfiqur Rahim – 38 years, 39 days
- Younis Khan – 37 years, 216 days
A Moment of Pride for Bangladesh Cricket
For a country that’s still building its Test legacy, Rahim continues to be a torchbearer — a pillar of reliability and excellence. His ability to play long innings, withstand pressure, and adapt across conditions is what makes him one of Bangladesh’s greatest-ever cricketers.
As Bangladesh looks to build a formidable first-innings total and put Sri Lanka under pressure, Mushfiqur Rahim’s milestone day will go down as a golden chapter in Test cricket, not just for Bangladesh, but for the game itself.
