Mathews bids farewell to Tests, eyes T20 World Cup glory

Galle, June 22 (UNI) Former Sri Lankan skipper, Angelo Mathews made his final appearance in royal whites against Bangladesh here, the same venue he made his debut in 2009.
Mathews is the second-highest run scorer at the venue with 2253 runs in 34 Test matches.
While speaking in the post-match press conference on Saturday, he spoke on the draw against Bangladesh, his final appearance in the red-ball format for Sri Lanka.
'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," he said.
'I thought we scrapped our way through and to minimize the lead. And also in the second innings, Shanto batted brilliantly,' Mathews said.
Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 148 and 125 not out in both the innings as he led from the front and secured himself the Player of the Match award, an ICC report said.
'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,' Mathews said, speaking on the wicket and opportunities for the bowlers.
'We could have pushed for a win, but unfortunately, we couldn't,' he said.
While Mathews stepped away from the longest format, he spoke on his World Cup aspirations in
the shorter formats of the game.
'I've still got six more months to go. I'll give it my best shot for the (2026) T20 World Cup,' he said.
'I would love to sign off with a World Cup win. I'll just see how my body goes,' Mathews said.
Mathews was a part of the side which won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2014, beating India in
the final.
The 38-year-old addressed the love he's received since he announced his retirement last month.
'I'm overwhelmed," he said.
'Ever since I announced my retirement, I just can't imagine the love that I have received up to now,'
Mathews said.
'It is so special because you feel as a player, once you give your 110% to the country, the amount of appreciation that you receive is unbelievable," he said.
'It feels so special, very heartwarming and I'm so thankful to all of them,' Mathews said.
While Mathews has retired from Tests, he will continue to remain available in the white-ball format,"
he added.
UNI BM

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