Sri Lanka held on for a draw in the first Test against Bangladesh on Saturday, June 21 at Galle International Stadium, Galle. Chasing a target of 296 in the fourth innings, Sri Lanka finished Day 5 on 72/4 with Kamindu Mendis (12*) and Dhananjaya de Silva (12*) at the crease.
The day began with Bangladesh resuming their innings on 177/3, leading by 187 runs with Najmul Hossain Shanto (56*) and Mushfiqur Rahim (22*) at the crease. The duo extended their partnership to 109 before an unfortunate run out ended their stand.
SL vs BAN, 1st Test Day 5 Highlights
During their massive stand, the duo lacked the urgency of moving the game ahead at a brisk pace and seemed to be under their shells. After Mushfiqur’s dismissal, Shanto got a move on post-lunch as the rain delayed the start of the second session.
The Bangladesh captain went on to score his second century of the match, becoming the first player from his country to do so on multiple occasions. He quickly rushed to 125 and declared their second innings on 285/6, setting Sri Lanka a target of 296.
The hosts had a shaky start to their chase as Taijul Islam got Lahiru Udara stumped for 9 (13). To add to their woes, Nayeem Hasan made Pathum Nissanka (24 off 25) chip one to Shanto at mid wicket to leave the hosts on 34/2 in 6.2 overs.
As Sri Lanka lost their second wicket, Angelo Mathews walked out to bat for the final time in his Test career. The veteran batter calmed the nerves in the dressing room, with his resilient innings of 8 (45). He fell prey to Taijul Islam (3/23) after getting an inside edge on his pads, which went straight into the hands of silly point. As a result, Mathews took the final walk back to the pavilion, acknowledging the reception from the crowd in his last Test innings.
Bangladesh managed to get one more wicket in the form of Dinesh Chandimal but Mendis and De Silva held on for a draw. As a result, the game ended in a stalemate, making the second Test vital for the result of the series. Shanto was adjudged Player of the Match for scoring twin centuries (148 and 125).