Nissanka’s 187 powers Sri Lanka’s strong reply against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka ended day three of the Galle Test at 368 for 4, trailing Bangladesh’s first-innings 495 by just 127 runs. The standout performance came from Pathum Nissanka, who scored a career-best 187 off 256 balls—his maiden Test century on home soil. He was eventually dismissed by Hasan Mahmud late in the day, just as he looked set for a double century.

Nissanka anchored four key partnerships with Udara (47), Chandimal (157), Mathews (89), and Kamindu (38), keeping the run rate consistently near four per over. His dominance was marked by precise shot selection and an ability to relieve pressure quickly with boundaries.

Even after his dismissal, Sri Lanka maintained momentum, with Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis adding a quick 37-run stand off 45 balls before stumps. The Bangladesh bowlers shared the four wickets among themselves, but three of their five options conceded runs at over four an over, showing how tough a day it was for the visitors. 

Sri Lanka’s positive and quick scoring on a wearing but still batter-friendly pitch highlighted Bangladesh’s slower approach earlier in the match. Having wiped out most of the deficit in a day, Sri Lanka are in a strong position, and if the weather holds, Bangladesh may face a tough task batting out day five on a pitch showing variable bounce.