Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 1st Test Match – Galle (Day 1)
Sri Lanka’s beloved Test stalwart Angelo Mathews, playing what is expected to be his final red-ball match, saw his farewell plans put on hold as Bangladesh took firm control of Day One at the Galle International Stadium, closing on 292 for 3 in the first Test of the two-match series.
The 38-year-old Mathews is ending his Test career at the very venue where it all began 16 years ago, hoping to walk off one final time on a high note. But Bangladesh had other plans.
After winning a crucial toss and electing to bat, Bangladesh appeared to have squandered their advantage early, slipping to 45 for 3, and giving Sri Lanka a glimmer of dominance. For a fleeting moment, the Galle crowd sensed a Mathews-scripted sendoff could be unfolding perfectly.
However, that early promise unraveled quickly.
A masterclass in resistance and rhythm followed, as Najmul Hossain Shanto (136)* and Mushfiqur Rahim (105)* put together a monumental, unbroken 247-run stand, blunting the hosts for 73.5 overs in a two-session siege that left the Lankan bowling looking helpless.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, particularly their spinners, were largely ineffective. Prabath Jayasuriya and debutant Tharindu Ratnayake bowled 61 of the 90 overs, with only Ratnayake managing a breakthrough, picking up two of the three wickets. But neither bowler looked like turning the tide.
As the shadows lengthened over Galle, the mood shifted: what was supposed to be a curtain call of triumph for Mathews began to resemble a frustrating stalemate. Unless Sri Lanka can claw back with quick wickets on Day Two, Bangladesh look well on course for a massive first innings total, setting the tone in this ICC World Test Championship clash.
The story may still end with Mathews having his moment, but for now, it’s Bangladesh who are writing the headlines.
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