Najmul Hossain Shanto’s second hundred in the match made headlines on the final day, as for the first time in 12 years, a Test match in Galle ended in a draw — with Bangladesh taking major honours against Sri Lanka in the first Test, which also marked the farewell of veteran Angelo Mathews from Test cricket.
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim extended their partnership toward the three-figure mark once again, adding 60 runs to the overnight score of 177 before a brilliant direct hit from Tharindu Rathnayake ended Rahim’s stay. He was unfortunately run out for 49.
Moments after that wicket, rain stopped play at around 11:05 AM. An early lunch was taken from 11:50 AM to 12:30 PM, with the match set to resume afterward. However, another rain interruption delayed the restart until 2:10 PM, limiting play to just 50 overs for the day.
After the resumption, Tharindu Rathnayake removed Litton Das and Jaker Ali in quick succession in consecutive overs. But skipper Shanto continued his superb form, bringing up his second hundred of the match — becoming the first Bangladesh captain to achieve this feat in Test cricket. He then struck three sixes in two overs as Bangladesh declared their second innings at 285 for 6. Shanto remained unbeaten on 125 off 199 balls, with 9 fours and 3 sixes, setting Sri Lanka a target of 296 in 37 overs.
Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara opened confidently for Sri Lanka. However, debutant Udara threw his wicket away after charging down the track to Taijul Islam and getting stumped. In the very next over, a soft dismissal saw Nissanka walk back for 24.
Dinesh Chandimal was then joined by Angelo Mathews — for the final time in Tests. The pair took a cautious approach, but Mathews was dismissed for 8 after facing 45 balls, bringing an end to his 16-year Test career.
Chandimal was bowled by a beauty from Taijul, as Sri Lanka slumped to 48 for 4. Kamindu Mendis and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva ensured there were no further setbacks, as the match ended in a draw.
