After conceding 495 to Bangladesh in the first innings, Sri Lanka showcased their batting prowess by ending Day 3 on a strong 368 for 4 in 92 overs, scoring at a healthy run rate of 4 runs per over. They still trail by 127 runs but have six wickets in hand.
Pathum Nissanka was simply sensational, displaying a full repertoire of strokes to all parts of the Galle International Stadium. His career-best 187 was laced with 23 boundaries and a glorious six chipped over cow corner.
The right-handed opener was in a class of his own. A double century looked well within reach, but he was undone by the best ball of the innings, delivered with the second new ball by seamer Hossain Mohammad. The delivery, dipping in from back of a length, crashed into his stumps, bringing relief to the Bangladesh fielders, who had been tormented all day by the elegant Lankan.
Lahiru Udana, who contributed 29, will rue the soft dismissal that saw him caught and bowled by Taijul Islam. The bowler cleverly set the trap, luring Udana into a false shot with a leg-stump delivery, and struck with Sri Lanka on 47.
Dinesh Chandimal, batting at No. 3, played the perfect supporting role to Nissanka, content to anchor one end while the opener took the lead. Chandimal’s 54 came through risk-free, measured cricket, playing each ball on merit.
However, with the score on 204 for 1, and the Bangladesh spin duo, Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan, tightening the screws, Chandimal appeared to suffer a lapse in concentration. Attempting an ill-advised shot before the tea break, he was caught at leg slip off Nayeem’s bowling, gifting the spinner his only wicket of the day.
Chandimal and Nissanka had added a dangerous 154-run partnership for the second wicket. Following Chandimal’s departure, Angelo Mathews received a warm ovation from the Bangladesh players as he walked in to bat, an emotional moment, as this match marks his final Test appearance. A touching example of the spirit of cricket at its finest.
Mathews, affectionately known as “Angie,” scored 39 before falling to the part-time left-arm spin of Mominul Haque. Mominul will surely treasure the ball as a unique souvenir, not for its value in silver, but for claiming the scalp of a Sri Lankan great in his farewell Test.
At stumps on Day 3, Sri Lanka stood at 368 for 4, with Kamindu Mendis unbeaten on 37 and Dhananjaya de Silva on 17.
Despite still trailing by 127 runs, Sri Lanka will be the happier side heading into Day 4. However, the job is far from done. The Bangladesh bowlers, with a relatively new ball in hand, could pose fresh challenges on a pitch that may offer turn and bounce on the penultimate day.
Sri Lanka will need either Dhananjaya or Kamindu alongside Kusal Mendis, still padded up, to dig in deep. A lead of at least 150 runs is what they’ll be targeting to exert scoreboard pressure, especially with Day 5 likely to bring variable bounce and spin.
One bright spot for Bangladesh was young pacer Nahid Rana. The tall, lanky 21-year-old bowled with heart and fire, consistently clocking 140–145 km/h in his 16-over spell. A genuine prospect for Bangladesh, Rana must be nurtured carefully—his future in their seam attack looks very bright.
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