Bangladesh secure first test draw against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh have secured their first draw in a test match against Sri Lanka. People may think, oh wow, a draw, tell me when they win a match. However looking at Bangladesh's test record, (before this match) it doesn't take you long to work out that this has been an immense achievement.

75 matches
3 wins
65 losses
7 draws

Those wins have come against Zimbabwe and a weakened West Indies side. The draws have been against India, West Indies, New Zealand and Zimbabwe. In fact their only draw in a non-interrupted match has been against Zimbabwe. Therefore this result could be considered one of their best ever, as corrected by Cricinfo reporter Mohammad Isam. (http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-bangladesh-2013/content/current/story/624731.html)

Angelo Matthews actually declared late on the final day setting Bangladesh a target of 268 in around 37 overs. Even Bangladesh realised that it was not worth chasing this total, perhaps learning from their fifth day capitulation against West Indies last November. Sri Lanka did manage to pick up one wicket, but even Bangladesh would not have had collapsed on the Galle pitch.

In relation to the pitch, some people may say Bangladesh's achievement should be discredited because of it. I disagree with this as even on roads before, Bangladesh have been totally outclassed and lost by innings, so for them to secure a draw is a good step. Nonetheless I do agree that this type of pitch is bad for test cricket. In fact it is horrible for test cricket. Test cricket to survive needs "result" pitches that offer a good balance between bat and ball. The pitch in Galle was terrible and hopefully will never be produced like that again.

The next (and final test unfortunately, man I hate 2 test series) starts on Saturday.

Full scorecard from the 1st test: http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-bangladesh-2013/engine/match/602472.html