Tigers dominate on Angelo Mathews farewell

It commenced as a poignant celebration of Angelo Mathews' illustrious career ultimately transformed into a frustrating opening day for Sri Lanka, as visiting Bangladesh recovered magnificently from early peril to establish commanding control at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. At stumps on day one Bangladesh were 292 for 3. 

The day began with touching ceremony as Mathews, flanked by his family and teammates, received heartfelt appreciation for his lion-hearted contributions spanning a remarkable 16-year career. The veteran all-rounder, stepping onto the field for his 119th and final Test appearance, witnessed a simple yet moving tribute that acknowledged his exceptional service both as player and captain. Many amongst the home supporters harboured hopes that this farewell would coincide with Sri Lankan dominance over the Bangladeshi batting order.

Those aspirations appeared justified during the opening hour when Sri Lanka's bowlers struck thrice in rapid succession, reducing the visitors to a precarious position of 45 for 3. Asitha Fernando drew first blood, dismissing Anamul Haque for a duck with the score barely reaching five runs. Debutant Tharindu Rathnayake then seized the spotlight, removing both Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque in quick succession to leave Bangladesh reeling and seemingly gift-wrap the perfect start to Mathews' farewell Test.
However, cricket's unpredictable nature soon manifested itself through the partnership between captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (136 not out) and the ever-dependable Mushfiqur Rahim 105 (not out). This fourth-wicket alliance not only rescued Bangladesh from their early predicament but systematically dismantled Sri Lankan hopes with an exquisite display of resilient batting.
Both batsmen demonstrated remarkable composure and determination, meticulously constructing their innings whilst steadily accumulating runs. Shanto reached his sixth Test century—his second against Sri Lankan opposition—displaying the temperament befitting a captain under pressure. Meanwhile, Rahim continued his enduring love affair with the Galle venue, registering his second century in three matches at this ground and his overall 12 in career.
The unbeaten 247 run partnership proved a masterclass in Test match batting, combining measured aggression with calculated risk-taking.

As the day progressed, Sri Lankan bowlers found themselves increasingly frustrated by the duo's patient yet purposeful approach. The home side's bowling attack, despite early promise, struggled to create sustained pressure once the partnership had become established.
Particularly concerning for the hosts was the ineffectiveness of their usual match-winners. Prabath Jayasuriya, who had claimed a remarkable 80 wickets in just 10 matches at Galle, endured a wicketless opening day—an unusual occurrence for the left-arm spinner on his favoured hunting ground. Similarly, seamer Milan Rathnayake and all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva failed to make meaningful contributions with the ball.
Sri Lanka's team selection reflected their transitional phase, with debutants Lahiru Udara and Tharindu Rathnayake earning their maiden caps as the island nation seeks to rebuild their Test unit following recent retirements of stalwarts Dimuth Karunaratne and now Mathews.

Chief scores: Bangladesh ( Shanto  136 not out, Rahim 105 not out, Tharindu Rathnayake 2 for 124) v  Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis †, Milan Rathnayake, Tharindu Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando