Galle Test Ends in a Draw as Bangladesh Fall Short of Time After Setting 296-Run Target

Bangladesh declared their second innings at 285/6, setting Sri Lanka a target of 296 runs to chase in the final 37 overs of the fifth day. Despite a brave bowling effort, Sri Lanka survived 32 overs, reaching 72/4, before Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto offered the draw, which was accepted by the umpires.

As a result, the first Test of the Sri Lanka–Bangladesh series in Galle ends in a draw, with both teams sharing the honors. However, the individual brilliance of Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto stood out, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Shanto scored centuries in both innings—a commanding 148 in the first and an unbeaten 125 off 199 balls in the second—becoming only the second Bangladeshi to achieve this feat in Test cricket.

Bangladesh, resuming their second innings on Day 5, played 87 overs to post 285/6 before declaring. With a 295-run lead, they pushed for a result. But despite early breakthroughs, including four wickets, the clock beat the visitors.

With 5 overs still remaining, and Sri Lanka struggling at 72/4, Shanto opted to call off the contest, acknowledging the fading hopes of a win and settling for a draw.

The series remains level heading into the second and final Test, where both sides will look to secure a decisive victory.