Sri Lanka Trails Bangladesh After Nissanka’s Century

GALLE: Pathum Nissanka’s impressive innings of 187 propelled Sri Lanka in response to Bangladesh’s first innings total of 495 on the third day of the first Test at Galle International Stadium on Thursday.

At the close of play on day three, Sri Lanka’s score stood at 368/4, trailing Bangladesh by 127 runs, with Kamindu Mendis and captain Dhananjaya de Silva at the crease.

Bangladesh began the day at 484/9, with tail-enders Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana extending their first innings total by 11 runs before Rana was dismissed by Asitha Fernando. Fernando spearheaded Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, claiming four wickets.

Milan Rathnayake and Tharindu Rathnayake each took three wickets to support Fernando.

Sri Lanka’s innings had a shaky start when Lahiru Udana (29) was caught out by Taijul Islam with 47 runs on the scoreboard in 12.1 overs.

Following this early setback, Dinesh Chandimal joined Nissanka, and together they strengthened Sri Lanka’s batting performance.

The pair added 157 runs for the second wicket before Nayeem Hasan dismissed Chandimal, who contributed 54 runs off 119 balls, including four boundaries.

Nissanka then formed two further significant partnerships, first with Angelo Mathews (39), who is retiring, and then with Mendis. Hasan Mahmud eventually dismissed Nissanka, providing Bangladesh with a crucial breakthrough.

Pathum Nissanka was Sri Lanka’s highest scorer, making 187 from 256 balls, featuring 23 fours and one six.

Mendis and de Silva, who remain not out with 37 and 17 respectively, are set to resume Sri Lanka’s first innings at 368/4 on the fourth day.

For Bangladesh, Mominul Haque, Nayeem Hasan, Islam, and Mahmud each secured one wicket.