"The wicket on day five wasn't as we expected," Shanto said with Mathews adding that "it was a tough wicket for the bowlers"

Rain has forced an early lunch on the final day of the first cricket test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to frustrate Bangladesh's hopes of pushing for a rare victory away from home.

Bangladesh’s spinners made life difficult for the Sri Lankan batters in the fourth innings, particularly Taijul Islam, who dismissed Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal in quick succession. Despite the late charge, Sri Lanka’s defensive approach and poor light ensured there would be no final twist.