Sri Lanka are well on track for a big total in reply to Bangladesh’s 495 in the first innings of the Galle Test.
At stumps on Day 3, the hosts reached 368 for 4, powered by a career-best knock from Pathum Nissanka. The right-hander struck a commanding 187 off 256 balls, hitting 23 fours and a six. This was his third Test century, surpassing his previous best of 127.
Bangladesh began the day at 484 for 9 and could only add 11 more runs. Asitha Fernando wrapped up the innings by removing Nahid Rana, finishing with four wickets.
In response, Sri Lanka started steadily. The opening partnership was worth 47 before Lahiru Udara fell for 29. The debutant, who impressed with six boundaries, offered a return catch off a tossed-up delivery from Taijul Islam.
That early blow didn’t slow Sri Lanka down. Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal put together a solid 157-run stand for the second wicket. Chandimal contributed 54 before Nayeem Hasan broke the partnership. In 13 Tests against Bangladesh, Chandimal now has five centuries and five fifties.
Nissanka reached his fifty off 88 balls and then shifted gears, racing to his next fifty in just 48 deliveries.
Playing his farewell Test, Angelo Mathews received a guard of honor from the Bangladeshi players and added another valuable partnership with Nissanka. Their stand reached 89 runs before Mominul Haque, a part-time spinner, dismissed Mathews for 39.
Nissanka brought up his 150 in 201 balls and seemed set for a double ton. But with the second new ball taken after the 85th over, Hasan Mahmud struck immediately, clean bowling Nissanka with a brilliant delivery.
Sri Lanka continued to consolidate with Kamindu Mendis and captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who added an unbeaten 37 off 45 balls to end the day.
Score Summary
Bangladesh 1st Innings: 495
Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 368/4 in 93 overs (Nissanka 187, Udara 29, Chandimal 54, Mathews 39, Kamindu 37*, Dhananjaya 17*; Hasan 1/49, Taijul 1/126, Nayeem 1/86, Mominul 1/24)
