Angelo Mathews bids farewell: Sri Lanka legend retires after Galle Test draw

The first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Galle ended in a rain-affected draw on June 21, 2025, marking the end of an era as Angelo Mathews retired from Test cricket after 119 matches.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was the standout performer, scoring twin centuries with 148 in the first innings and an unbeaten 125 in the second, helping Bangladesh set a challenging target of 296 runs from 37 overs.

"Once you get 400 in the first innings, it's really difficult to lose a game," Mathews reflected, highlighting the competitive nature of the match.

Sri Lanka posted a strong first innings total of 485 all out, with Pathum Nissanka scoring 187, Kamindu Mendis 87, and Dinesh Chandimal 54. Bangladesh’s Nayeem Hasan took 5-121 in a spirited bowling effort.

The match was disrupted by rain, which forced changes in strategy. Bangladesh declared their second innings at 285 for six, setting Sri Lanka a steep target. However, the weather prevented a full finish.

Mathews, who captained Sri Lanka to their first series win in England in 2014, ended his Test career on a low score of 8 but received heartfelt tributes from the Bangladeshi players.

A notable highlight for Sri Lanka was the debut of Tharindu Rathnayake, who impressed by taking six wickets across both innings and showcasing rare ambidextrous bowling skills.

The match ended with Sri Lanka at 72 for 4 in their second innings, resulting in a draw.

"Rain forced us to change our plans," said Shanto, emphasizing the impact of weather on the contest.

This Test not only celebrated individual brilliance but also marked a significant transition for Sri Lankan cricket as they bid farewell to one of their finest players.

Sri Lanka legend Angelo Mathews retired from Test cricket after the drawn first Test against Bangladesh in Galle on June 21, 2025. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored twin centuries, while rain prevented a decisive result in a match marked by Mathews’ farewell and debutant Rathnayake’s six wickets.