Galle Test stalemate: Bangladesh and Sri Lanka share first draw in 26 matches

The first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Galle ended in a rare draw, the first in 26 matches at the venue. The rain-hit fifth day saw Bangladesh's Najmul Hossain Shanto score his seventh Test century, anchoring the visitors' resistance.

Sri Lanka, chasing a challenging target of 296 runs off 37 overs at a demanding rate of eight runs per over, fell short despite aggressive efforts. Angelo Mathews, playing his farewell Test, contributed a brief but crucial 45-ball 8 runs, forming a 13-run partnership off 81 balls with Dinesh Chandimal.

Taijul Islam's bowling was instrumental in keeping the pressure on Sri Lanka, including dismissing Mathews in his final innings. However, the remaining six wickets could not be taken before the overs ran out, resulting in the stalemate.

"Najmul Hossain Shanto's seventh Test hundred and a spirited bowling performance from the visitors were the highlights of a rain-hit fifth day's play," summed up the tense contest.

This draw breaks a long-standing pattern at Galle, where 26 consecutive Tests had produced results, underscoring the competitive balance between the two teams and the impact of weather interruptions.

The match also marked a poignant farewell for Angelo Mathews, who ended his Test career with a determined effort despite the challenging chase.

Overall, the game highlighted Bangladesh's growing resilience and Sri Lanka's fighting spirit in a closely contested Test encounter.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka played out a rare draw in Galle, marking the first stalemate in 26 Tests at the venue. Najmul Hossain Shanto's seventh Test century and spirited bowling helped Bangladesh resist Sri Lanka's chase of 296 runs in 37 overs on a rain-affected final day.