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On the third day of the first Test in Galle, the pitch showed signs of change, offering extra assistance to spinners in the morning. Despite this, Sri Lanka ended the first session at 100 for 1, reducing the deficit to 395 runs in response to Bangladesh’s formidable 495.
After wrapping up Bangladesh’s innings in just 15 minutes, Sri Lanka’s openers laid a solid foundation. Debutant Lahiru Udara scored an aggressive 29 off 34 balls (6 fours) before falling to Taijul Islam. Pathum Nissanka played a patient 46 not out off 83 balls, while Dinesh Chandimal remained unbeaten on 22 off 47 balls.
Bangladesh’s spinners, Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan, found some turn, with Taijul taking 1 for 34 in 11 overs. Pacers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana tried short balls and off-stump lines but couldn’t force errors from Sri Lanka’s batters. Bangladesh will now look for quick breakthroughs to regain control.
Bangladesh’s innings featured centuries from Najmul Hossain Shanto (148) and Mushfiqur Rahim (163). Liton Das scored 90 but fell short of a hundred.
AI/MR
