Bangladesh’s cricket team paid a heartfelt tribute to retiring Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews by giving him a guard of honour during his final Test match at the Galle International Stadium on Thursday.
The gesture took place in the 52nd over of Sri Lanka’s first innings when Mathews, aged 38, came to bat after Dinesh Chandimal’s dismissal. As he entered the field, Bangladesh players and match officials formed two lines, clapping to honour his long-standing contributions to cricket. Mathews acknowledged the warm gesture with a raised hand before assuming his position at number four, after which the match resumed.
Read more: Asian Cup 2027 hopes fade for Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan
This display of respect was particularly significant considering the tense history between the two sides—most notably the controversial “timed-out” dismissal of Mathews during the 2023 ICC World Cup in India. In that incident, Mathews was ruled out without facing a ball after his helmet strap broke and he requested a replacement. Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed, and the umpires upheld the dismissal, making it the first timed-out in international cricket history. Mathews later accused Shakib of unsportsmanlike conduct, claiming he still had time left and was unable to bat safely.
Despite that heated past, the gesture in Galle suggested a mending of on-field relations, as Bangladesh chose to honour Mathews with dignity during his final appearance in Test cricket.
Angelo Mathews, who debuted in 2009, has been a pivotal figure in Sri Lankan cricket—both as a reliable batter and former captain. His retirement brings to a close a remarkable chapter in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history.
