An Intense SL vs BAN Clash in Galle: Full Match Recap & Analysis
Cricket enthusiasts witnessed a gripping Test match between the Bangladesh national cricket team and the Sri Lanka national cricket team at the historic Galle International Stadium . Both teams displayed immense skill and determination, with standout performances from stars like Najmul Hossain Shanto , Dhananjaya de Silva , and Pathum Nissanka . This intense clash kept fans on the edge of their seats for five days, showcasing the true spirit of Test cricket.
Whether you missed the live action or want a detailed summary, this article provides a comprehensive match recap, full scorecard, player analysis, and insights on where to watch replays. Additionally, we cover the weather conditions that influenced the game and strategic turning points that defined the outcome.
Match Summary: A Game of Skill and Strategy
- Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka
- Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first.
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 57 runs (Day 5 finish)
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Full Match Scorecard
Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 312 all out
- Pathum Nissanka – 89 (off 122 balls, 11 fours)
- Dhananjaya de Silva – 72 (steady middle-order knock)
- Taijul Islam – 5/78 (stellar spin performance for Bangladesh)
Bangladesh 1st Innings: 268 all out
- Najmul Hossain Shanto – 102 (captain’s ton under pressure)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz – 39
- Kasun Rajitha – 4/54 (controlled pace spell)
Sri Lanka 2nd Innings: 257/6 declared
- Kusal Mendis – 66
- Dinesh Chandimal – 54* (not out)
- Shoriful Islam – 2/34
Bangladesh 2nd Innings: 244 all out
- Litton Das – 63
- Najmul Hossain Shanto – 47
- Prabath Jayasuriya – 6/81 (match-winning spell)
Key Performers of the Match
1. Najmul Hossain Shanto – The Fighter
Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto displayed remarkable composure and maturity, crafting a vital century in the first innings. His 102 runs under pressure were instrumental in keeping Bangladesh competitive against a strong Sri Lankan bowling attack.
Why it matters: Shanto’s innings set the tone for Bangladesh’s resilience and helped them stay in contention despite early setbacks.
2. Dhananjaya de Silva – The Spin Maestro
De Silva was a standout all-rounder, scoring a crucial 72 runs and contributing with important spin bowling spells in the second innings. His ability to influence the game with both bat and ball earned him praise from cricket pundits.
Why it matters: His dual-role performance shifted momentum decisively in Sri Lanka’s favor.
3. Pathum Nissanka – Steady at the Top
Opening the innings, Nissanka’s 89-run knock was a masterclass in patience and timing. His ability to absorb pressure frustrated Bangladesh’s new-ball bowlers and laid a solid foundation for Sri Lanka’s first innings total.
Why it matters: His innings ensured Sri Lanka had a strong platform to build on early in the match.
Where to Watch Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Live or Replay
If you missed the live action or want to catch the highlights, here are the official broadcast and streaming options:
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports, Gazi TV, Channel Eye (Sri Lanka)
- Live Streaming:
- Bangladesh: Rabbitholebd Sports
- Sri Lanka: SLRC Official App
- International: Hotstar, ESPN+
- Pro Tip: Highlights are also available on YouTube via ICC and official broadcasters' channels.
Galle Weather Update – Impact on the Game
The weather in Galle remained mostly clear for the first three days, allowing uninterrupted play. However, light rain and cloud cover on Day 4 caused slight delays. Despite this, the pitch conditions favored spin bowling with consistent turn and bounce, challenging the batters especially in the latter stages of the match.
Match Analysis – Turning Points & Strategy
The defining moment came with Prabath Jayasuriya’s devastating second-innings spell, where he took 6 wickets for 81 runs. Bangladesh looked poised to chase comfortably until Jayasuriya’s spin masterclass dismantled their middle and lower order.
Sri Lanka’s bold decision to declare at 257/6 in their second innings was a strategic masterstroke. This aggressive move put Bangladesh under immense pressure on a deteriorating pitch, forcing them into a challenging chase that ultimately led to Sri Lanka’s victory.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
- Bangladesh: Preparing to regroup ahead of their upcoming home Test series against Afghanistan.
- Sri Lanka: Getting ready to host Zimbabwe for a 3-match ODI series.
Both teams are expected to experiment with younger talent and strengthen their bench depth as they look forward to future international fixtures.
Final Thoughts: A Memorable Encounter in Galle
The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test match at Galle was a classic battle of skill, strategy, and resilience. With memorable centuries from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Pathum Nissanka, combined with the spin brilliance of Dhananjaya de Silva and Prabath Jayasuriya, fans were treated to five days of enthralling cricket. This match will be remembered as a true Test cricket spectacle that highlighted the growing competitiveness of both teams.
