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Sri Lanka seized control of the first Test against Bangladesh at Galle International Stadium by the end of Day 3, thanks to a commanding batting display led by opener Pathum Nissanka. Responding to Bangladesh’s first innings total of 495, the hosts finished the day at 368/4, trailing by just 127 runs. Nissanka’s career-best 187 anchored Sri Lanka’s robust reply, putting the Tigers under significant pressure.
Starting the day with the bat, Sri Lanka got off to a brisk start with Kusal Udara’s flashy 29. However, it was Nissanka who stole the show. Resuming at 46 in the second session, he swiftly reached his third Test century and went on to craft a magnificent 187, studded with 23 fours and a six. Falling just 13 runs short of a maiden double century, Nissanka was eventually bowled by a superb delivery from Hasan Mahmud. His marathon knock laid a solid foundation for Sri Lanka.
Veteran batters Dinesh Chandimal (54) and Angelo Mathews (39) played crucial supporting roles, while Kamindu Mendis (37*) and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (17*) remained unbeaten at stumps, guiding their team to a strong position.
Bangladesh’s bowlers toiled hard but found little assistance from the pitch. Pacer Hasan Mahmud troubled the batters with late movement towards the end, but couldn’t break through consistently. Nahid Rana’s raw pace (145+ km/h) occasionally unsettled the batters but yielded no wickets. Among the spinners, Taijul Islam had a disappointing outing, while Naim Hasan and Mominul Haque picked up a wicket each.
With the new ball available on the morning of Day 4, Bangladesh’s pacers will look to strike early. The pitch may offer more spin assistance, potentially bringing Taijul back into the game. Quick wickets could tilt the match back in the Tigers’ favor.
Play resumes at 10:15 AM Bangladesh time on Day 4. With the Test finely poised, cricket fans are in for another thrilling day at Galle!
AI/MR
