Sat Jun 21 18:05:52 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
This article reports on the drawn first Test match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh dominated the first innings, scoring 495 runs, led by centuries from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim. Sri Lanka responded with 485. In the second innings, Shanto again scored a century, and Bangladesh declared, setting Sri Lanka a target of 296. Sri Lanka lost early wickets, and the match ended in a draw with Angelo Mathews playing his final red-ball innings.
**News Article:**
**Shanto’s Twin Centuries Lead to Draw in Sri Lanka Test; Mathews Bids Farewell to Red-Ball Cricket**
**Galle, Sri Lanka – June 21, 2025:** Bangladesh and Sri Lanka played to a draw in the first Test match after a dominant batting performance from Bangladesh, highlighted by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s twin centuries. The match also marked the end of Angelo Mathews’ illustrious red-ball career for Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh set the tone early, amassing 495 in their first innings. Shanto led the charge with 148, supported by Mushfiqur Rahim’s 163 and Litton Das’s 90. Sri Lanka responded with 485, with Pathum Nissanka scoring 187 and solid contributions from Dinesh Chandimal (54) and Kamindu Mendis (87).
In the second innings, Shanto again proved unstoppable, notching an unbeaten 125. Bangladesh declared at 285 for six, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target of 296 in 37 overs.
Sri Lanka struggled early in their chase, losing quick wickets. Despite Angelo Mathews’ presence, they were unable to mount a significant challenge, and the match concluded with Sri Lanka at 72 for four.
The match was a testament to Bangladesh’s growing prowess in Test cricket and a fitting send-off to Sri Lankan veteran Angelo Mathews, who concludes his impressive red-ball career.
First Piper 