Pathum Nissanka produced a career-best 187 to lead Sri Lanka fightback on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Galle, steering the hosts to 368-4 at stumps, just 127 runs behind Bangladesh’s first innings total of 495.
The 27-year-old opener, who had been under scrutiny for recent poor form, delivered a statement performance, batting for over six hours and facing 256 deliveries, striking 23 fours and a six. His calm and disciplined innings formed the backbone of Sri Lanka’s reply on a batting-friendly Galle surface.
Nissanka said he was “very happy” to score his first Test century at home but admitted being “disappointed” with how he got out, bowled by Hasan Mahmud with the second new ball, just 13 runs short of a maiden double century.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh wrapped up their first innings swiftly, needing only three overs to dismiss the final wicket as Asitha Fernando claimed his fourth wicket of the innings, finishing with 4-86. Bangladesh had collapsed from 458-4 to 495 all out, losing five wickets for just 26 runs on a rain-hit Day 2.
Nissanka’s solid partnerships steadied Sri Lanka’s innings:
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A 157-run stand with Dinesh Chandimal (54) provided stability after the early loss of Lahiru Udara (29), who fell to Taijul Islam.
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A key contribution from veteran Angelo Mathews (39) in his farewell Test added momentum before he was dismissed by part-timer Mominul Haque.
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At stumps, Kamindu Mendis (37)* and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (17)* remained unbeaten, with the pitch still playing true and favouring batsmen.
Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to find breakthroughs. Apart from Hasan Mahmud’s late strike, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, and Mominul Haque claimed one wicket each in a mostly flat day for the visitors. Bowling coach Shaun Tait acknowledged the conditions were difficult for pacers but praised their effort, saying, “It was a good batting wicket and our quicks toiled hard.”
He added, “We would’ve taken 495 before the game. Our lower order didn’t contribute much, but I’m not going to be critical of the batters.”
As the Test heads into Day 4, the contest remains finely balanced. With a deep batting lineup and momentum on their side, Sri Lanka will aim to surpass Bangladesh’s total and create scoreboard pressure, while the visitors will hope for early wickets to regain control.
