Angelo Mathews gets emotional after signing off from Test cricket

Sri Lankan veteran Angelo Mathews bid farewell to Test cricket during the opening match of the series against Bangladesh at the iconic Galle International Stadium—the same ground where he made his debut in 2009. His final appearance marked the end of a distinguished red-ball career, particularly at Galle, where he became the second-highest run-scorer in the venue’s history. Across 34 Test matches at the stadium, Mathews accumulated an impressive 2,253 runs, etching his name into Sri Lankan cricket folklore.

Reflecting on the game, Mathews emphasized the importance of a strong first-innings total in Test cricket. He noted that reaching the 400-run mark gives a side a significant upper hand, making it very difficult for the opposition to bounce back. The Test match also highlighted the brilliance of Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who delivered a captain’s knock in both innings. Shanto scored a magnificent 148 in the first innings, followed by a resilient unbeaten 125 in the second, showcasing his class and temperament. His efforts not only steered Bangladesh to a strong position but also earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match accolade. The game proved to be a memorable one, marking both a farewell and a rising star’s statement.

“Once you get a 400 in the first innings, it's really difficult to lose a game. So we had to bat really well in our first innings as well. I thought we scrapped our way through and to minimize the lead. And also in the second innings, Shanto batted brilliantly,” stated former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews in the post-match interview. 

“It was a tough wicket for the bowlers, to be honest. There were times where it turned a little bit but didn't really have anything for the bowlers. We could have pushed for a win, but unfortunately, we couldn't,” he added.

Angelo Mathews has officially stepped away from Test cricket, choosing to shift his focus toward the 2026 T20 World Cup. The seasoned all-rounder expressed his desire to end his international career on a high by aiming for another T20 World Cup title. He emphasized the importance of preserving his body at this stage of his career, acknowledging the physical demands of the game and the need for smart workload management. Mathews has been a vital figure in Sri Lankan cricket across formats and holds fond memories of the team’s triumph in the 2014 T20 World Cup, where Sri Lanka defeated India in the final. As he moves into the final chapter of his cricketing journey, Mathews hopes to bring his experience and leadership to the shorter format and contribute meaningfully once again on the global stage. His red-ball retirement marks the end of an era, but the T20 dream lives on.

“I've still got six more months to go. I'll give it my best shot for the (2026) T20 World Cup. I would love to sign off with a World Cup win. I'll just see how my body goes,” Mathews said.