( Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail )
Pathum Nissanka’s Career-Best 187 Puts Sri Lanka in Strong Position Against Bangladesh
GALLE: A brilliant century by Pathum Nissanka has put Sri Lanka in a commanding position at the end of Day 3 in the first Test against Bangladesh, being played at the Galle International Stadium. The Sri Lankan opener smashed a career-best 187 runs, helping the hosts reach 368-4, trailing by just 127 runs behind Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 495.
Nissanka Shines with First Home Century
The 27-year-old opener played a marathon innings, facing 256 balls, striking 23 fours and a six, and anchoring the Sri Lankan reply after an early loss. It was a much-needed return to form for Nissanka, who had been under pressure after managing just one half-century in his previous nine Test innings.
“This is my first Test hundred at home, so I was very happy to get there,” Nissanka said after stumps. “I was aiming for a double hundred, so I’m a little disappointed with how I got out.”
His fine innings ended when he was bowled by Hasan Mahmud, who was operating with the second new ball.
Strong Partnerships Steady Sri Lanka
Nissanka built vital partnerships throughout the innings:
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A 157-run stand with Dinesh Chandimal, who contributed 54 runs
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A 89-run partnership with Angelo Mathews, who played a composed 39 in his farewell Test
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Lower-order support from Kamindu Mendis (37*) and Dhananjaya de Silva (17*), who will resume play on Day 4
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka resumed with the task of wrapping up Bangladesh’s innings, which they did in just three overs. Fast bowler Asitha Fernando cleaned up the final wicket to finish with impressive figures of 4-86.
Bangladesh Collapse After Strong Start
Bangladesh had earlier dominated with the bat, reaching 458-4 on Day 2 before suffering a dramatic collapse, losing five wickets for just 26 runs. Despite that, the visitors managed a solid total of 495.
Top Performers for Bangladesh:
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Mushfiqur Rahim – 163
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Najmul Hossain Shanto – 148
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Litton Das – 90
The rest of the batting order failed to contribute meaningfully, with the last five batters adding little to the total. Bangladesh’s bowling attack also struggled to make inroads on Day 3, with just four wickets falling across 93 overs.
Day 3 Score Summary
Bangladesh – 1st Innings: 495 All Out
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Top Scorers: Mushfiqur Rahim (163), Najmul Hossain (148), Litton Das (90)
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Best Bowlers for Sri Lanka: Asitha Fernando (4-86), M. Rathnayake (3-39), T. Ratnayake (3-196)
Sri Lanka – 1st Innings: 368/4 (93 Overs)
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Pathum Nissanka – 187
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Dinesh Chandimal – 54
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Angelo Mathews – 39
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Kamindu Mendis – 37*
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Dhananjaya de Silva – 17*
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Wickets: Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Mominul Haque, Hasan Mahmud – 1 each
Looking Ahead
With the pitch in Galle still playing well for the batters, Sri Lanka will look to surpass Bangladesh’s total on Day 4 and put pressure back on the visitors. The hosts still have six wickets in hand, and with in-form batters at the crease, a first-innings lead is very much within reach.
