In a stirring start to the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka locked horns in the first Test at the historic Galle International Stadium on June 17, 2025. The match was notable not only for its competitive cricket but also for marking the farewell of Sri Lanka’s veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who bowed out of Test cricket after an illustrious career spanning 118 matches.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat first, setting the tone for what would become a commanding display by the visitors. The day began with a poignant ceremony as Sri Lanka Cricket presented Mathews with a commemorative tribute, honoring his remarkable journey that began at the very same venue in 2009. "I am extremely proud to have a wonderful journey, thankful for whoever was part of it," Mathews said, reflecting on his career. "Feeling quite special. Realising that I have played over 100 Tests. Playing for the country was my dream, it has come true." The 38-year-old walked out to a heartfelt guard of honor from young local players, embodying the spirit of Sri Lankan cricket.
Sri Lanka fielded a blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh faces, including debutants Lahiru Udara, a prolific domestic batsman, and ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Ratnayake. The hosts were eager to start strong, especially after finishing sixth in the last World Test Championship cycle and naming six uncapped players in their squad. Bangladesh, meanwhile, came into the match buoyed by a historic 2-0 series sweep of Pakistan and a seventh-place finish in the previous cycle.
The opening session saw Bangladesh struggle initially, losing three wickets for just 45 runs. Early breakthroughs came courtesy of Sri Lanka’s pace and spin attack, with Asitha Fernando dismissing Anamul Haque for a duck and debutant Ratnayake claiming two critical wickets, Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque. By lunch, Bangladesh was precariously placed at 90 for 3, with Najmul Hossain Shanto and the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim at the crease, both showing resilience and composure.
What followed was a masterclass in partnership building. Shanto and Rahim combined for an unbeaten 247-run stand for the fourth wicket, a record for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka in Tests. Their partnership not only steadied the innings but also shifted momentum decisively in Bangladesh’s favor. Rahim, a seasoned campaigner known for his consistency against Sri Lanka, scored his 12th Test century—his fourth against the island nation—while Shanto reached his sixth Test hundred, his second against Sri Lanka.
The pair’s dominance was evident as they rotated the strike with ease and punished any loose deliveries. Despite 64 overs being bowled by spinners on a pitch traditionally known for aiding turn, Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to make significant inroads. Tharindu Ratnayake, though taking two wickets, conceded runs at a high rate, and the pace attack, including debutant Lahiru Samarakoon, failed to break the partnership.
By stumps, Bangladesh was 292 for 3, with Shanto unbeaten on 136 and Rahim on 105. Their stand was the second-highest fourth-wicket partnership ever recorded at Galle, trailing only the 259-run effort by Australia’s Alex Carey and Steven Smith in 2025. It also ranks as the second-highest fourth-wicket partnership in Bangladesh’s Test history, just shy of the national record of 266 runs.
Bangladesh’s innings was marked by patience and tactical acumen. After a shaky start, the duo methodically built their innings through the afternoon and evening sessions, frustrating Sri Lanka’s bowling attack and capitalizing on every scoring opportunity. Shanto’s aggressive yet controlled strokeplay, including 14 fours and a six, complemented Rahim’s steady accumulation of runs.
The pitch at Galle played a significant role, offering little assistance to bowlers after the initial hour. The ball came onto the bat nicely, and the batsmen exploited the conditions expertly. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, despite their best efforts and tactical variations such as Ratnayake’s ambidextrous spin, found it hard to disrupt the partnership.
This Test also marked a new chapter for Sri Lankan cricket as they integrate fresh talent alongside experienced players like Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Prabath Jayasuriya. The retirement of stalwarts like Mathews and earlier Dimuth Karunaratne signals a transitional phase for the hosts. Bangladesh, under Shanto’s leadership, demonstrated their growing maturity and ability to perform under pressure, setting a strong foundation for the new WTC cycle.
The second Test is scheduled for June 25 in Colombo, where both teams will look to build on their performances. For Sri Lanka, the focus will be on harnessing their young talent and finding breakthroughs early to counter Bangladesh’s confident batting lineup. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will aim to capitalize on their strong start and maintain momentum in the series.
As the day ended, the cricketing world witnessed not only a brilliant batting display but also a fitting tribute to Angelo Mathews, whose career has inspired many. His farewell at Galle, surrounded by family and fans, underscored the emotional and competitive spirit of Test cricket. This match, rich in records and memorable moments, sets the tone for an exciting and fiercely contested World Test Championship cycle ahead.
