In a captivating display of grit and determination, Sri Lanka’s opening batsman Pathum Nissanka delivered a career-defining knock of 187 runs on Day 3 of the first Test against Bangladesh at the picturesque Galle International Stadium on Thursday. His marathon innings, studded with 23 fours and a six off 256 balls, propelled Sri Lanka to 368-4 at stumps, narrowing the deficit to 127 runs behind Bangladesh’s imposing first-innings total of 495.
Nissanka’s innings was a masterclass in resilience, especially considering his recent form slump with just one half-century in his last nine Test innings. The 27-year-old not only silenced his critics but also marked his first Test century on home soil, a milestone that visibly lifted his spirits. ‘This is a special moment for me. Scoring my first hundred at home feels incredible, and now our focus is on building a lead to put pressure on Bangladesh,’ Nissanka reflected post-play, though he admitted disappointment over his late dismissal, bowled by Hasan Mahmud.
The day wasn’t without its challenges for Sri Lanka. Starting at an overnight score of 119-2, they lost Lahiru Udara early for 29, dismissed by spinner Taijul Islam. However, Nissanka found an able partner in Dinesh Chandimal, who contributed a composed 54 in a crucial 157-run stand for the third wicket. Later, veteran Angelo Mathews, in his farewell Test, added 39 runs before falling to part-time spinner Mominul Haque, receiving a heartfelt guard of honor from the Bangladesh team as he walked out to bat.
At stumps, Sri Lanka’s hopes rest on the unbeaten pair of Kamindu Mendis (37) and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (17), with the Galle pitch still offering plenty for batsmen despite signs of wear. Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Hasan Mahmud, toiled hard with limited success, sharing four wickets among Mahmud, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, and Mominul Haque. Bowling coach Shaun Tait acknowledged the tough conditions for his pacers, saying, ‘It was a grueling day for our fast bowlers; they gave it everything under a scorching sun.’ He refrained from criticizing the lower-order collapse on Day 2, where Bangladesh lost five wickets for 26 runs, but remained optimistic about their overall score.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka wrapped up Bangladesh’s innings swiftly, dismissing the last wicket within three overs of the morning session. Pacer Asitha Fernando claimed the final scalp of Nahid Rana, caught behind by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, finishing with impressive figures of 4-86 from 29.4 overs. Bangladesh’s first innings had been anchored by stellar centuries from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (148) and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (163), setting a daunting target after winning the toss.
As Day 4 looms, Sri Lanka will aim to erase the deficit and build a lead, banking on the current pair and the potential of their lower order. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will look to exploit any early breakthroughs to regain control. With the pitch still favoring batsmen but likely to assist spinners soon, this Test match promises an enthralling battle. Can Nissanka’s heroics inspire a Sri Lankan turnaround, or will Bangladesh’s bowlers strike back? Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in Galle!