Sri Lanka bounced back strongly on Day 3 of the Galle Test thanks to a brilliant career-best innings from Pathum Nissanka. Though still trailing by 127 runs, the hosts have now put themselves in a position to push for a first-innings lead against Bangladesh.
At stumps, Sri Lanka were 368 for 4, with Kamindu Mendis unbeaten on 37 and Dhananjaya de Silva on 17. The duo has already stitched a 37-run partnership and looks set to carry the momentum forward.
Bangladesh managed just four wickets in 93 overs, struggling with both line and length throughout the day. As a result, Sri Lanka batted comfortably, building partnerships and scoring freely. The bowlers shared the wickets: Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Mominul Haque, and Hasan Mahmud picked up one each.
Hasan Mahmud finally ended Nissanka’s stunning knock for 187, denying him a maiden Test double century.
“Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for 187 by Hasan Mahmud, just when he looked set for a double hundred.”
The second new ball could’ve been taken at the 80-over mark, but skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto waited for five more overs. When he did take it, he brought Hasan back into the attack, and the pacer delivered with a brilliant delivery that sneaked through Nissanka’s defense.
“With frustration, Nissanka walked back after playing a late shot to a ball that darted in faster than he expected.”
His 187 came off 256 balls and featured 23 fours and a six — the highest score of his Test career so far.
Earlier in the session, a steady partnership between Angelo Mathews and Nissanka was broken by Mominul Haque.
“The 89-run stand, which lasted 137 balls, ended when Mathews edged a rising delivery to Liton Das.”
Mathews, playing his final Test, scored 39 off 69 balls, including three boundaries and a six.
After tea, Nissanka welcomed Nayeem Hasan to the attack with a boundary and then ran three to bring up his 150 — his first time reaching the milestone in Test cricket.
Taijul Islam was more disciplined during the second session, tightening the scoring rate along with Nayeem Hasan. The two spinners found some grip off the surface and started putting pressure on the batters.
Despite the improved bowling, Bangladesh could not capitalize on a key moment. Nayeem Hasan induced an edge from Nissanka when he was on 119, but Liton Das couldn’t react quickly enough, and the ball slipped away through the vacant slip region.
The lone breakthrough in that session came when Chandimal, after scoring 54 off 119 balls, edged one from Nayeem to slip.
“He tried to defend a delivery outside leg stump, but it caught the edge and went to Sadman Islam at leg slip.”
The 157-run partnership between Nissanka and Chandimal, which lasted 238 deliveries, had laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s innings.
Earlier, Nissanka and Chandimal had brought up their 100-run stand in just 161 balls. While Nissanka attacked with an ODI-like tempo, Chandimal was more patient, reaching his fifty off 99 balls.
“Bangladesh’s bowlers were erratic and failed to maintain pressure, allowing Sri Lanka’s top order to score freely.”
Nissanka brought up his century — his first on home soil — with a single after pulling Nahid Rana for four. His previous Test centuries had all come overseas.
Bangladesh’s bowling unit lacked consistency throughout the day. Both spinners — Taijul and Nayeem — leaked runs, and the pacers struggled to trouble the batters. At one point, Shanto brought on part-time spinner Mominul Haque due to a lack of options.
Earlier in the day, after dismissing Bangladesh for 495, Sri Lanka got off to a solid start with the bat. Lahiru Udara and Nissanka opened the innings with confidence.
“For the first time in nearly three decades, Sri Lanka opened a Test innings with two right-handed batters — Lahiru Udara and Pathum Nissanka.”
Udara looked impressive on debut, scoring 29 off 34 balls with six boundaries before falling to Taijul.
“He tried to sweep a well-flighted delivery but ended up giving a return catch to the bowler, ending a 47-run opening stand.”
By lunch, Sri Lanka were 100 for 1. Nissanka was unbeaten on 46 off 83 balls, and Chandimal was batting on 22.
Throughout the day, Bangladesh used multiple bowlers, but none managed to threaten Sri Lanka’s top order. The bowlers failed to hit consistent lines, and the field placements often looked reactive rather than proactive.
As Sri Lanka closed Day 3 at 368/4, the momentum had clearly shifted in their favor. With two well-set batters at the crease and Bangladesh’s bowling looking toothless, a first-innings lead for the home side looks increasingly likely.
