Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 1st Test at Galle, SL vs BAN, Jun 17 2025 - Ball by Ball Commentary

5:45pm That brings us to the end of our coverage for this Test. A lot of cricket lined up elsewhere in different parts of the world, though, including one in Leeds, where England have picked up a few wickets to peg India back. Keep following ESPNcricinfo for all the content, and until next time, from Madushka, Ranjith and myself (Shashwat), this is goodbye!

Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka captain: (What they would have done differently) I always talk about the first innings. The grip went from our hand the way we bowled. It was a flat wicket, but too many runs (conceded) in the first innings, and that is an area we have to cover. (On if they could have gone in with a different bowling combination) Not at all, they tried their best. The wicket was flat, Shanto and Mushi batted really well. we got early breakthroughs but they did not give us a chance to get into the game. They (the spinners) had their plans - that is the beauty of Test cricket, batters can absorb the pressure and put it onto us. (On the retirement of Mathews) I came to this team under his captaincy, and he played his last match under my captaincy - something to remember for me. A sad day for me individually - a legend like him leaving the Test dressing room. But we have to move forward, and we have the backup for Angelo.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Bangladesh captain is also the Player of the Match: (On becoming the first Bangladesh captain to score a hundred in each innings of a Test) I did not know that, but feels very good to contribute to the team. Great comeback. The way Mushi bhai batted with me, it was brilliant. We did not have enough confidence (against Zimbabwe), but before this series, we had great preparation and we showed a lot of character in this match. (On the declaration and if they would have declared earlier without the rain) Yes, but the rain suddenly came and the plan suddenly changed. We cannot control those things. The way Taijul and Nayeem bowled (after the declaration) was really good. In these conditions, the way Nayeem bowled in the first innings, it was brilliant. He did not have many chances but his work ethic is brilliant and today, he showed how good he is.

Angelo Mathews, speaking after his retirement from Test cricket: Since I announced my retirement, I cannot believe the love I have received. Certainly overwhelmed (with the love). Ever so grateful to all of you, who have supported me throughout. Not an easy journey - lots of ups and downs, but through it all, I was able to do it because of the support I received. Obviously (I am emotional), retiring from the best format and the format I loved playing. Time for the younger players to take on the baton and drive it through. I should congratulate Bangladesh for having a wonderful Test match. Mushi and Shanto batted beautifully. Pathum batted beautifully (as well). (On the highlight of his career) The win against England in England, and whitewashing the Australians in Sri Lanka 3-0 - that was a huge highlight and honour, achieved by the entire team. Thankful to all the players, and the coaches who have supported me throughout. Grateful to all the fans for being with me throughout since the day I debuted. Thank you very much.

5:27pm Coming back to Sri Lanka...well, it will be an emotional moment for the team with Angelo Mathews, after years of distinguished service, stepping away from the format. He may not have had the farewell outing he would have hoped for, but what he has done for Sri Lanka cricket over the years, as captain and as player, will forever be etched in folklore and he will go down as a truly great cricketer from the island nation.

As for this game, the hosts will feel they could have done better at different stages. They could have taken a sizeable first-innings lead, if not for a collapse after lunch on day four. Their spinners could also have bowled much better and they might look to revisit their plans, or try to execute them better when these sides convene again in Colombo in a few days' time.

5:24pm A really engaging end to what was an intriguing Test throughout. But as Bangladesh walk off, they will be asking themselves a few questions. Did they leave the declaration too late? Did they bat too sluggishly yesterday and not get ahead of the game enough? What if inclement weather had not been a theme on day five? Lots of ifs and buts, although unfortunately, that is what the theme might be today.

Once the dust has settled, however, Bangladesh will feel they gave a decent account of themselves. Their batters got stuck in across both innings with Shanto and Mushfiqur, in particular, very impressive. Shadman got a good score on day four as well, and their spinners, all said and done, out-bowled Sri Lanka's complement. It was not enough to eke out a result, but will give the visitors something to cling on to heading into the next Test.

Seven overs left in the day. Bangladesh might opt to shake hands if they cannot pick another wicket in the next two

Taijul to continue