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| Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 1st Test, Galle 2025 |
The first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the iconic Galle International Stadium in June 2025 delivered a gripping contest, ultimately ending in a rare draw. Despite a flat pitch, outstanding batting performances, and a touch of rain drama, neither side could force a result, marking the first drawn Test at Galle in over a decade.
Bangladesh’s Batting Brilliance Sets the Tone
Bangladesh, opting to bat first, found themselves in early trouble at 45 for 3. However, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the ship with a monumental unbeaten partnership of 247 runs. Both batsmen notched up centuries—Shanto with a commanding 136* and Rahim with a classy 105*—as Bangladesh finished Day 1 at a dominant 292 for 3. Their partnership laid the foundation for a massive first-innings total, with Litton Das later contributing a fluent 90. Bangladesh eventually posted 495, putting the hosts under pressure.
Sri Lanka’s Steadfast Response
In reply, Sri Lanka showcased their own batting depth. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a superb 187, while Dinesh Chandimal and the retiring Angelo Mathews provided solid support. Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 485 kept them in the game, trailing Bangladesh by just 10 runs and setting up an intriguing finish.
Rain and Cautious Tactics Shape the Final Day
The final day’s play was heavily curtailed by rain, with only 80 minutes possible in the morning session. Bangladesh, already in a strong position, advanced to 285 for 6 before declaring. Najmul Hossain Shanto completed his second century of the match, becoming only the third Bangladeshi to score twin centuries in a Test.
With Sri Lanka set a target of 296 in just 37 overs, the hosts started positively but quickly lost wickets to Bangladesh’s spinners. Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan struck early, and Sri Lanka finished at 72 for 4 before both sides agreed to a draw with seven overs remaining.
Talking Points and Records
One of the main talking points was Bangladesh’s cautious approach after the rain break. The team’s decision to bat slowly to allow Shanto to reach his milestone consumed valuable time and reduced their chances of pushing for victory. Nevertheless, Shanto’s achievement—twin centuries in a Test—was a historic moment for Bangladesh cricket.
The draw also ended a remarkable streak of 26 consecutive results at Galle, making this match a statistical outlier at the venue.
Farewell to a Legend
The match was also notable for being the final Test appearance of Sri Lankan stalwart Angelo Mathews. His contribution to Sri Lankan cricket was acknowledged by both teams, adding an emotional layer to an already memorable contest.
Conclusion
The Galle Test was a celebration of batting excellence and cricketing resilience. While rain and conservative tactics on the final day denied fans a thrilling finish, the match will be remembered for Najmul Hossain Shanto’s twin centuries, Pathum Nissanka’s marathon knock, and the end of an era for Angelo Mathews. Both teams leave Galle with positives, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the series.
