ISLAMABAD: Pathum Nissanka led a strong Sri Lankan resurgence with a brilliant 187-run knock on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
The 27-year-old opener, previously under pressure for his lack of big scores, delivered a masterclass with the bat, guiding his side to 368-4 by stumps, just 127 runs behind Bangladesh’s first innings total of 495.
His patient 256-ball stay at the crease featured 23 boundaries and a six, providing stability and hope for a potential Sri Lankan lead.
He formed crucial partnerships with Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, and veteran Angelo Mathews, before falling to a well-delivered ball from Hasan Mahmud with the second new ball.
Despite missing out on a maiden double-century, Nissanka said he was pleased with his performance at home but admitted disappointment in the manner of his dismissal.
Strong Support from the Middle Order
Dinesh Chandimal chipped in with a solid 54, sharing a 157-run stand with Nissanka that turned the tide of the game.
Angelo Mathews, playing his farewell Test, added a vital 39, receiving a guard of honour before his innings.
Kamindu Mendis (37 not out) and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (17 not out) will resume the innings on day four, with the pitch still favouring the batters.
Bangladesh bowlers struggled to break through, with Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, and Mominul Haque taking one wicket apiece in an otherwise uneventful session.
Bangladesh Collapse Paves Way
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka wrapped up Bangladesh’s innings quickly, dismissing the last batter just three overs into play.
Fast bowler Asitha Fernando ended with figures of 4-86, helping stop a dangerous Bangladeshi batting lineup that had crumbled from 458-4 to 495 all out.
Bangladesh’s bowling coach Shaun Tait acknowledged the difficulties for pacers on a batting-friendly surface but remained optimistic about their first-innings total.
With two days to go and Sri Lanka inching closer, the match is finely poised for a tight finish.
