Galle: The opening Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ended in a hard-fought draw on Saturday, with rain and resilient batting efforts from both sides denying a result at the Galle International Stadium.
Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto was the standout performer, becoming the first from his country to score centuries in both innings of a Test match twice.
Starting the final day at 177 for 3 in their second innings, Bangladesh extended their lead to 296 before declaring at 285 for 6, thanks to Shanto’s unbeaten 125. His innings, supported by a steady partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim (49), put the visitors in a commanding position.
Rahim was unfortunately run out just short of a half-century, and subsequent quick wickets from Tharindu Ratnayake briefly dented Bangladesh’s momentum before rain interrupted play before lunch.
Once play resumed, Shanto reached his seventh Test hundred with a flurry of sixes and ensured Bangladesh had enough on the board before the declaration, challenging Sri Lanka with 37 overs to survive and chase.
Sri Lanka began the chase aggressively, but their innings soon faltered. Lahiru Udara and Pathum Nissanka were dismissed in quick succession by spinners Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan. Veteran Angelo Mathews, playing his final Test, held firm for a while alongside Dinesh Chandimal, but both were dismissed in quick succession, reducing Sri Lanka to 48 for 4.
With Bangladesh sensing victory, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva held off the charge with a calm 24-run partnership that lasted nearly nine overs. Their defensive resistance ensured Sri Lanka reached safety, finishing at 72 for 4 before both sides agreed to settle for a draw — the first at Galle in 26 Tests.
The Test was also significant for Mathews, who bowed out of Test cricket with a subdued but valiant final innings, marking the end of a remarkable career.
Brief Scores:
Bangladesh 495 (Mushfiqur Rahim 163, Najmul Hossain Shanto 148; Asitha Fernando 4/86) and 285/6 decl (Najmul Hossain Shanto 125*, Shadman Islam 76; Tharindu Ratnayake 3/102) drew with Sri Lanka 485 (Pathum Nissanka 187, Kamindu Mendis 87; Nayeem Hasan 5/121) and 72/4 (Taijul Islam 3/23)
