On the third day (19th) of the first Test match of Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka found themselves in a strong position at stumps, reaching 368 for the loss of 4 wickets in reply to Bangladesh’s first-innings total, having faced 93 overs.
At the start of play on Day 3, Bangladesh were batting in their first innings, having scored 484 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. However, the Sri Lankan bowlers did not allow the final Bangladesh pair to stay long at the crease and managed to dismiss the team for 495 runs in 153.4 overs. Asitha Fernando claimed 4 wickets for Sri Lanka, while Milan Rathnayake and Tarindu Rathnayake shared three wickets each.
Sri Lanka’s innings was opened by left-handers Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara – a notable event, as it marked the first time in 30 years that Sri Lanka started a Test innings with two left-handed openers. However, their opening stand was limited to 47 runs, with Lahiru Udara getting dismissed for 29 by Taijul Islam.
Pathum Nissanka was then joined by Dinesh Chandimal, and the pair added a solid 157 runs for the second wicket. During this partnership, Nissanka recorded his third Test century, while Chandimal contributed 54 runs before being dismissed after scoring his 33rd Test half-century.
Following Chandimal’s departure, Nissanka partnered with Angelo Mathews to add 89 runs for the third wicket. Mathews, unfortunately, fell for 39, breaking the partnership. Pathum Nissanka, who was nearing his maiden Test double century, was eventually dismissed for 187 as Sri Lanka’s fourth wicket. His brilliant innings spanned 256 balls and included 23 fours and a six, marking it as his best Test performance to date.
By the close of play, Dhananjaya de Silva was on 17 not out, and Kamindu Mendis was unbeaten on 37, continuing the innings for Sri Lanka.
The match is being played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh, having won the toss, opted to bat first. However, they lost their first wicket early when Anamul Haque was dismissed without scoring. Shadman Islam contributed 14 runs, while Mominul Haque managed 29.
Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 148, and Mushfiqur Rahim made 163. The two combined to add 264 runs for the fourth wicket — a record partnership at Galle for that wicket. Liton Das also played well, scoring 90. Meanwhile, Jaker Ali was dismissed for 8, Nayeem Hasan for 11, Taijul Islam for 6, and Hasan Mahmud remained not out with 7 runs. Notably, Sri Lankan bowlers succeeded in dismissing the final five Bangladesh wickets for just 37 runs.
Score Summary:
Bangladesh – 1st Innings: 495 all out in 153.4 overs
(Mominul Haque 29, Shadman Islam 14, Najmul Hossain Shanto 148, Mushfiqur Rahim 163, Liton Das 90
Bowling: Tarindu Rathnayake 3/196, Asitha Fernando 3/86, Milan Rathnayake 3/39, Prabath Jayasuriya 0/154)
Sri Lanka – 1st Innings: 368/4 in 93 overs
(Lahiru Udara 29, Pathum Nissanka 187, Dinesh Chandimal 54, Angelo Mathews 39, Kamindu Mendis not out 37, Dhananjaya de Silva not out 17
Bowling: Taijul Islam 1/126, Nayeem Hasan 1/86, Mominul Haque 1/24, Hasan Mahmud 1/49)
