Galle: The highly anticipated test match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka ended in a rain-affected draw. Despite having a significant lead of 251 runs, Bangladesh opted for a conservative approach, allowing Sri Lanka to escape defeat. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's two centuries were a personal milestone, but strategically questionable.

Shanto's achievement is notable, as he joins an elite group of 14 cricketers who have scored hundreds in each inning on two separate occasions. However, the team's cautious approach might have cost them a potential victory.

The match also marked the emotional farewell of Sri Lankan legend Angelo Mathews from test cricket. Mathews received heartfelt tributes from both teams, with Captain Dhananjaya de Silva praising him as a "superb player and leader."

With Mathews' retirement, Sri Lanka faces the daunting task of replacing his experience and resilience in the middle order. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be bolstered by the return of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who missed the Galle test due to illness.

The second test will begin on 25th June at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground (SSC).

With inputs from AP