Angelo Mathews, the veteran Sri Lankan cricketer, bid farewell to Test cricket after an illustrious 15-year career, marked by a special tribute during the first Test match against Bangladesh at the Galle International Stadium, which ultimately ended in a draw. The match, the first of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle, was overshadowed by the emotional departure of Mathews, a stalwart of Sri Lankan cricket.
The 37-year-old Mathews, who made his Test debut at the same venue in 2009, received a guard of honor from the Bangladesh team as he walked off the field for the final time in whites, a gesture that spoke volumes of the respect he commanded from his peers. Mathews retires with an impressive record of 8,241 runs in 119 Tests, averaging 44.4, and 33 wickets. He also had the distinction of captaining Sri Lanka in 34 Tests, including a memorable victory against England at Headingley in 2014. He stands as the third-highest Test run-scorer for Sri Lanka, only behind the legendary Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
Reflecting on his career, Mathews expressed his gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey. "Since I announced my retirement, I can't believe the love that I have received so far. I am certainly overwhelmed. Ever so grateful to all those who supported me right throughout. It wasn't an easy journey; there were a lot of ups and downs, happiness and sadness. But through it all, I was able to do it because of the support that I have received," he said after the match. He also fondly recalled the win against England in England and the 3-0 whitewash of Australia in Sri Lanka as the highlights of his Test career.
As for the match itself, it concluded in a tense draw. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front, scoring centuries in both innings and earning the Player of the Match award. In the final session, Sri Lanka, chasing a target of 296 in 37 overs, opted for a cautious approach and ended the day at 72/4. Taijul Islam was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, claiming 3 wickets for 23 runs, including the dismissal of Mathews, adding a poignant touch to the occasion.
Some observers questioned Bangladesh's tactics, suggesting that an earlier declaration could have given them a better chance of forcing a win. A rain delay after lunch further complicated matters, potentially impacting the available playing time and the final outcome.
While Angelo Mathews has retired from Test Cricket, he has expressed his desire to continue playing in the shorter formats of the game, with the goal of representing Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He was a part of the Sri Lankan team that won the T20 World Cup in 2014, defeating India in the final.
