Angelo Mathews was left overwhelmed by the support shown by the Sri Lanka fans following his final Test match for his country. 

Mathews, who is Sri Lanka's third-highest run scorer in the long format, called time on his Test career after Sri Lanka's opening game of their series with Bangladesh on Saturday. 

The match finished as a draw in a disappointing farewell for Mathews, who managed just eight runs in his second innings after being bowled out by Taijul Islam (3-23). 

Mathews, who made his Test debut in 2009 against Pakistan, played in 119 matches in the long format. Only Mahela Jayawardene (149), Kumar Sangakkara (134) and Muthiah Muralidaran (132) have featured in more for Sri Lanka. 

And the 38-year-old was overcome with emotion following the conclusion of the match as the home support inside the Galle International Stadium applauded their former captain. 

"Since I announced my retirement, I cannot believe the love I have received," said Mathews.

"Certainly overwhelmed [with the love]. Ever so grateful to all of you who have supported me throughout. Not an easy journey - lots of ups and downs, but through it all, I was able to do it because of the support I received.

"Obviously [I am emotional], retiring from the best format and the format I loved playing. Time for the younger players to take on the baton and drive it through.

"[When asked about his best Test moments] The win against England in England and whitewashing the Australians in Sri Lanka 3-0 - that was a huge highlight and honour, achieved by the entire team.

"[I'm] Thankful to all the players, and the coaches who have supported me throughout. Grateful to all the fans for being with me throughout since the day I debuted. Thank you very much."

Finished where he started 

Thank you, Angelo Mathews #SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/gt5LErn8j7

— ICC (@ICC) June 21, 2025

Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva added that it was a sad day for him personally after he came into the squad under Mathews' leadership.

"I came to this team under his captaincy, and he played his last match under my captaincy - something to remember for me," De Silva said. 

"A sad day for me individually - a legend like him leaving the Test dressing room. But we have to move forward, and we have the backup for Angelo."

Najmul Hossain Shanto, meanwhile, became the first Bangladesh captain to score a century in both innings of the same Test match.

The skipper was proud of both the performance and the mindset of the whole team.

"I did not know that [on the record], but [it] feels very good to contribute to the team. Great comeback. The way Mushi [Mushfiqur] batted with me, it was brilliant.

"The way Taijul [Islam] and Nayeem [Hasan] bowled [after the declaration] was really good. In these conditions, the way Nayeem bowled in the first innings was brilliant. He did not have many chances, but his work ethic is brilliant and today, he showed how good he is."

The second Test begins on June 25 and will be played in Colombo.