Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 146 has put Sri Lanka on course for a big total and a strong first-innings lead in the Colombo Test.
At the end of Day 2, Sri Lanka reached 290 for 2 in their first innings—already 43 runs ahead of Bangladesh, with eight wickets still in hand.
“With an unbeaten 146-run knock, Pathum Nissanka is leading Sri Lanka toward a big score and a first-innings lead.”
Opening the innings, Nissanka remained not out on 146 off 238 deliveries, hitting 18 boundaries. His brilliant form continues after scoring 187 runs in the first innings of the previous Test.
Bangladesh had started the day on 220 for 8 and managed to add only 27 runs. Ebadot Hossain was dismissed for 8, while Taijul Islam played a fighting knock of 33 runs, including five fours.
Coming out to bat, Sri Lanka were positive from the start. “Sri Lanka began their innings with intent right from the first over.” Nissanka and Lahiru Udara put together a smooth 88-run opening stand against a lackluster Bangladesh bowling attack.
Udara, who scored 40, was dismissed by a sharp delivery from Taijul Islam. After that, Nissanka joined hands with Dinesh Chandimal to frustrate the Bangladesh bowlers further with a huge partnership.
“It was during this partnership that Sri Lanka went past Bangladesh’s total.” The duo added 194 runs for the third wicket, completely shifting the momentum in favor of the hosts.
Chandimal missed out on a well-deserved century, getting out for 93 off 153 balls while trying to reverse sweep Nayeem Hasan late in the day.
Nissanka ended the day unbeaten alongside nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya.
Score Summary
Bangladesh 1st Innings: 247
Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 290/2 in 78 overs (Nissanka 146*, Udara 40, Chandimal 93, Jayasuriya 5*; Ebadot 9-0-33-0, Taijul 32-2-90-1, Nahid 12-1-54-0, Miraz 16-1-57-0, Nayeem 8-2-45-1, Mominul 1-0-7-0)
