In a gripping, rain-affected five-day battle at the iconic Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh played out a memorable draw that combined rain delays, resilient batting, sharp spin bowling, and the emotional farewell of a national cricketing hero.
The first Test of the 2025 Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka ended with both teams sharing honors, but not without leaving behind a compelling narrative defined by Najmul Hossain Shanto’s twin centuries, a spirited final-day bowling effort from Bangladesh, and a gritty defensive display from the Sri Lankan lower order.
Match drawn! 🏏 The first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Galle has concluded in a hard-fought draw. We now look ahead to the second Test, which kicks off on June 25th at SSC Colombo! #SLvBAN #ThankYouAngelo pic.twitter.com/g7NMXnrVRT
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 21, 2025
A Captain’s Performance for the Ages: Shanto Leads from the Front
Najmul Hossain Shanto delivered a performance befitting a captain destined for greatness. Already having scored a majestic 148 in the first innings, Shanto returned to the crease in the second innings with quiet determination and a clear intent to place Bangladesh in a dominant position. His unbeaten 125 was a blend of temperament, classical strokeplay, and decisive aggression.
Particularly noteworthy was his handling of the turning ball in Galle — a ground historically known for favoring spin bowlers. Shanto played with soft hands, rotated the strike intelligently, and shifted gears effortlessly when he neared his century, launching three sixes to expedite Bangladesh’s declaration. He became the first Bangladeshi to score two centuries in a Test match for the second time in his career, an achievement that underlines his growing stature in the Test arena.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s Crucial Support and a Heartbreaking Run-Out
While Shanto held one end, veteran Mushfiqur Rahim was the perfect foil. The pair’s 100+ stand solidified Bangladesh’s position on the final day. Rahim was measured and methodical, inching towards a well-deserved fifty before an unfortunate run-out cut his innings short at 49. Attempting a quick single, Rahim was caught short by a direct hit, ending what could have been another pivotal contribution to Bangladesh’s push for a result.
Even with the loss, the foundation was laid. Bangladesh moved to 237/4 when the skies opened, and rain interrupted play for an extended duration. By the time the covers were lifted and play resumed, the pitch had freshened slightly, but Shanto remained unfazed, resuming with confidence and intent.
Tharindu Ratnayake Sparks a Mini Collapse
After the resumption, Sri Lanka’s Tharindu Ratnayake struck twice in quick succession, removing Litton Das and Jaker Ali. These strikes brought a temporary lull to Bangladesh’s progress, but with Shanto still in the middle and steadily marching toward his century, the visitors recalibrated.
Upon reaching three figures, Shanto unleashed a late flurry of boundaries, including a string of sixes that signaled Bangladesh’s aggressive intent. The innings declaration came at 285/6, setting Sri Lanka a target of 296 in 37 overs. While improbable, the equation left both a win and a draw on the table — contingent on the resolve of Sri Lanka’s top order.
Sri Lanka’s Stuttering Response and the Farewell of a Legend
Sri Lanka began their chase with urgency. Openers Lahiru Udara and Pathum Nissanka found early boundaries, striking six fours between them in the opening six overs. However, Udara’s dismissal — stumped off Taijul Islam — disrupted the rhythm. Soon after, Nissanka was trapped by Nayeem Hasan, leaving Sri Lanka in a precarious position.
At 28 for 2, the moment everyone was waiting for arrived. Angelo Mathews walked to the crease for the final time in Test whites. Greeted with applause and a guard of honor, Mathews took his place alongside Dinesh Chandimal in what would be his final contribution to Sri Lankan Test cricket. Their partnership was deliberate and defensive, focusing on survival over counterattack.
Mathews dead-batted Bangladesh’s spinners, showing the grit that defined his 114-Test career. The pair navigated through to Tea, but the post-interval phase proved more challenging. Taijul Islam, operating with guile and an around-the-wicket angle, finally dismissed Mathews for 8 in his 45-ball farewell. His innings, though brief in runs, was rich in symbolism — a final stand from one of Sri Lanka’s modern-day greats.
Bangladesh’s Final Push: Spin Dominates as the Clock Ticks
Taijul Islam wasn’t done. Soon after Mathews’ exit, he produced a peach of a delivery to bowl Chandimal, reducing Sri Lanka to 48 for 4. With nearly 14 overs remaining, Bangladesh sensed an opening. Nayeem Hasan and Taijul maintained a relentless line, exploiting the footmarks and turning the screws.
However, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva stood tall. Their stand was the epitome of crisis management — careful footwork, calm heads, and well-judged aggression. De Silva even lofted a six off Nayeem Hasan, subtly shifting momentum back in Sri Lanka’s favor. With every over, the pressure eased, and when five overs remained, the two sides shook hands, settling for a draw.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: A Rare Draw in Galle: First in 27 Matches
This draw was more than just a shared result — it was a statistical anomaly. The Galle International Stadium had witnessed 26 consecutive Test results since 2017, mostly spin-dominated encounters with emphatic wins for the home side. That Bangladesh not only pushed the match into a potential win scenario but also threatened to snatch victory on the final day is a testament to their progress in red-ball cricket.
From aggressive declarations to disciplined spin bowling and resilient batting, Bangladesh showcased the attributes of a team coming into its own. Sri Lanka, for their part, showed heart and patience — particularly in the post-Mathews era that now begins.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Full Match Scorecard
Bangladesh 1st Innings
495 all out
- Mushfiqur Rahim – 163
- Najmul Hossain Shanto – 148
- Asitha Fernando – 4/86
Sri Lanka 1st Innings
485 all out
- Pathum Nissanka – 187
- Kamindu Mendis – 87
- Nayeem Hasan – 5/121
Bangladesh 2nd Innings
285/6 declared
- Najmul Hossain Shanto – 125*
- Shadman Islam – 76
- Tharindu Ratnayake – 3/102
Sri Lanka 2nd Innings
72/4 in 23.5 overs
- Pathum Nissanka – 24
- Taijul Islam – 3/23
Result: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Match drawn
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Najmul Hossain Shanto, the first Bangladesh captain to score hundreds in both innings of a Test match.
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) June 21, 2025
Photo Credit: SLC#BANvSL | #BCB | #BangladeshCricket pic.twitter.com/pmG0EEy8v4
Conclusion
The first Test of the series between Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh delivered a result that, while indecisive, revealed much about the temperament and talent within both camps. For Bangladesh, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s twin centuries underscored a leader in form and focus, while their spin attack continues to mature into a formidable force on turning tracks.
Sri Lanka, navigating the emotional farewell of Angelo Mathews, will take solace in the grit shown by their middle and lower order. As the two sides prepare for the next encounter, one thing is clear: this series has the ingredients for an enthralling continuation.
Whether Bangladesh can convert their dominance into victory or Sri Lanka can find answers in their reshuffled lineup remains to be seen — but this draw, the first in Galle in nearly a decade, sets the perfect stage for what lies ahead.
