Bangladesh’s players lined up to give Angelo Mathews a heartfelt guard of honour, paying their tributes to one Sri Lanka’s finest all-rounders, who is playing his final Test match.
In a touching beginning to Sri Lanka’s Test series in Galle, the Bangladesh team led by Najmul Hossain Shanto formed a ceremonial guard of honour for Mathews as he took the field to bat.
Ahead of this moment, Mathews had officially announced his retirement from red‑ball cricket with the opening Test at Galle scheduled to mark the end of a legendary 16‑year journey. His debut had also taken place at Galle back in 2009 as his career completed a full circle.
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Angelo Mathews’ Farewell Test Begins with Guard of Honour from Former Rivals
During the ongoing Test, Bangladesh posted a total of 495 runs in their first innings. In response, Sri Lanka reached 204 for 2 when Angelo Mathews made his way to the crease. The moment turned emotional as the Bangladesh players paused play and formed a guard of honour to welcome Mathews in his farewell Test match.
Many fans were quick to applaud Shanto for this gesture that shows true sportsmanship. The rivalry between the two sides had reached a flashpoint during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, when Mathews was controversially timed out, the first such incident in international cricket history.
But on this day, past bitterness gave way to warmth. Mathews hugged both Mushfiqur Rahim and Shanto .
Earlier in the match, Mathews had also been celebrated by his own teammates. The Sri Lankan players paid respect to the stalwart by raising their bats toward him when he arrived on the field.
Angelo Mathews Dismissed for 39
Mathews was sent packing by Mominul Haque after he scored 39 runs. He stitched an important 89-run stand with Pathum Nissanka for the third wicket.
At the time of writing, Sri Lanka's score reads 368/4 at the end of 93 overs. They trail by 127 runs. Mathews would bat for the last time in the second innings of the fixture. The 38-year-old would want to make that count and finish his career on a high.
Also read: “Not Many Achieved This” – Rohit Sharma’s Tribute to Angelo Mathews Goes Viral
