Pathum Nissanka stole the show on Day 3 of the first Test in Galle, compiling a majestic 187 to put Sri Lanka in a commanding position against Bangladesh.
After Bangladesh were bowled out for 495 in the morning — having added just 11 runs to their overnight total — Nissanka led Sri Lanka’s strong reply with a composed, authoritative innings that left the visitors toiling in hot and unforgiving conditions.
The Sri Lankan opener was at the heart of two major partnerships: a 157-run stand with Dinesh Chandimal (54) and an 89-run alliance with veteran Angelo Mathews (39), which guided the hosts to 368 for 4 at stumps, trailing by just 127 runs.
Bangladesh, who resumed their innings on 484 for 9, lasted only 16 deliveries in the morning session. Nahid Rana was the final wicket to fall, gloving a delivery from Asitha Fernando to the keeper down the leg side. Asitha, who finished with figures of 4 for 86, was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Sri Lanka’s response was confident from the outset. Nissanka and debutant Lahiru Udara added 47 for the opening wicket before the latter chipped a return catch to Taijul Islam after a breezy 29 off 34 deliveries. The Tigers were then made to sweat for their next wicket, which came nearly 40 overs later.
Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan finally broke the second-wicket partnership shortly before Tea, bowling around the wicket to Chandimal, who tucked one straight to Shadman Islam at leg slip.
That wicket brought Mathews to the crease for his 119th and final Test, and he was welcomed with a guard of honour from both players and umpires. The Bangladesh camp, however, quickly switched to intensity, surrounding the veteran with attacking fields. Mathews responded in style, striking a boundary and a six to settle himself at the crease.
The Tigers’ next success came in the final session when skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto turned to part-time spinner Mominul Haque. The move worked wonders, as Mominul’s slow, looping delivery drew the edge from Mathews, with Litton Das doing the rest behind the stumps.
Nissanka, who had earlier brought up his third Test hundred — and first at home — off just 136 balls, appeared destined for a maiden double century. But with five overs left in the day, pacer Hasan Mahmud delivered a searing yorker to dismiss him for 187 — his highest Test score.
Despite the late wickets, the hosts remain in a strong position, with their first innings deficit now under 150 and six wickets in hand.
Day 3 Highlights
Bangladesh 1st Innings: 495 all out (153.4 overs)
– Mushfiqur Rahim 163, Najmul Hossain Shanto 148, Litton Das 90
– Asitha Fernando 4-86, M. Rathnayake 3-91, T. Rathnayake 3-105
Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 368-4 at stumps (90 overs)
– Pathum Nissanka 187, Dinesh Chandimal 54, Angelo Mathews 39
– Taijul Islam 1-70, Nayeem Hasan 1-97, Mominul Haque 1-14, Hasan Mahmud 1-51
Key Moments:
- Nissanka scores third Test ton and highest score (187)
- Bangladesh bowlers endure 40+ overs without a wicket
- Mathews receives guard of honour in farewell Test
- Mominul strikes crucial blow with dismissal of Mathews
- Nissanka yorked five short of maiden double hundred
Match Situation:
Sri Lanka trail Bangladesh by 127 runs with six wickets in hand.