The previous 26 Tests at the ground provided a result, but this pitch never broke down enough to produce a result. That, along with the occasional spell of rain, was unfortunate, but the visitors will have taken a lot more positives from it. On current schedules, this could be Bangladesh’s last Test till March 2026, and Sri Lanka’s last till June 2026.
Najmul Hossain Shanto scored twin centuries, the 18th (and first Bangladeshi) captain to do so. He averaged 29.14 in the prior 12 months, so these runs were a necessary boost in a time of instability for the team’s leadership.
Mushfiqur Rahim continued to belie his age with a big century in the first innings, while there were vital fifties for Litton Das and Shadman Islam. The bowlers had to toil, but Nayeem Hasan stood out with five wickets in the first innings.
Angelo Mathews quietly bowed out of Test Cricket with scores of 39 and 8. For the hosts, it was Pathum Nissanka who showed why he is Sri Lanka’s present and future with 187 in the first innings. He was supported by Kamindu Mendis’ 87, another stalwart in the making. They were never in a position to force the pace, and were only in slight discomfort working for the draw on the final day.
Why Sri Lanka can win
There will be at least two changes in the side, with Mathews retiring after the first Test and Milan Rathnayake suffering a left side strain. The pacer was economical in both innings and has also been handy with the bat. In his place, it might be Kasun Rajitha who comes in. The left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando has also been added to the squad. The replacement for Mathews is likely to come down to Pasindu Sorriyabandara and Pavan Rathnayake. The former averages 56.87 in first-class cricket.
Though Dunith Wellalage has also been added to the squad, it is unlikely there is much change in the spin department. Prabath Jayasuriya had a rare ineffective game in his Galle stronghold. All eyes were on Tharindu Rathnayake, the ambidextrous spinner who took six wickets across two innings. He was marginally more expensive than Jayasuriya across the Test, though it was a promising debut.
Lahiru Udara made a brief impact on debut, with scores of 29 and 6. This is a Sri Lankan outfit in transition, with two rookies in the top order, so the pressure will be on those that did well in the first Test - Nissanka, Chandimal and Mendis - to contribute again.
Why Bangladesh can win
Anamul Haque is now averaging 11 in Test Cricket across seven Tests. This is his third separate stint in the side, and scores of 0 and 4 do not inspire much confidence. He might get the second Test as well, but he is running on thin ice. Mominul Haque too is looking for a big score, though he has been getting starts in recent games. He has scored a fifty (or more) in each of his last six Test series.
Bangladesh were the better of the sides, making use of their advantage batting first to put a big score up, then gain a slender lead. They erred on the cautious side while setting a third innings score, but did well to apply pressure on the final day. Perhaps they may consider a change for Nahid Rana, who went at 5.10 an over in the first innings. The youngster has been expensive in his career so far with an economy of 4.58 across eight Tests.
Venue and conditions
Only two Tests have been held in Colombo since 2018; in both, the side batting first failed to reach 200, and there was a big first innings score from the opposition in response.
Rain may play a small role in this Test too, though certainly not as threatening as it was in Galle.
Match stats
• Sri Lanka have a 20-1 Test record against Bangladesh, with six draws. Their only loss was in Colombo in 2017.
• The last eight Tests held in Colombo have led to a result.
• Dinesh Chandimal has scored 612 runs in 13 innings, averaging 46.53, at number three since his promotion in 2024. That includes one hundred, five fifties and just two single-digit scores.
• Asitha Fernando’s 4-86 in the first innings was his best Test figures at home; he had taken three wickets on four separate occasions prior.
• Litton Das averages 38.16 against Sri Lanka, with one hundred and five fifties in 18 innings.
• Nayeem Hasan has two five-fors in two Tests against Sri Lanka, taking 12 wickets at an average of 27.83.