Cricholic
🏆 Pathum Nissanka Century Anchors Sri Lanka’s Strong Response
Pathum Nissanka century lit up Day 3 of the Galle Test as Sri Lanka mounted a spirited comeback. The elegant opener registered his first Test ton at home — and third overall — scoring a masterful 187. Consequently, Sri Lanka ended the day at 368/4, still trailing by 127 but very much in control of the contest.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed with the aim of breaching the 500-run mark. While Hasan Mahmud added an early boundary, No.11 Nahid Rana was soon strangled down leg by Asitha Fernando, ending the innings at 495. Notably, Prabath Jayasuriya went wicketless — a rare occurrence for him at Galle, where he has thrived in the past.
🔥 Pathum Nissanka Century Sets the Tone for Sri Lanka
In response, Sri Lanka sent out Pathum Nissanka and debutant Lahiru Udara — marking their first all right-handed opening pair in over three decades. Udara looked confident early on, driving and flicking with style. However, he was dismissed for 29, giving Taijul Islam a return catch.
Meanwhile, Nissanka remained cautious in the initial phase. As overs progressed, he began rotating strike efficiently and punished the bad balls, especially from Taijul. Eventually, his rhythm helped Sri Lanka settle after the early wicket.
💯 Pathum Nissanka Century Builds in Middle Overs
Shortly after Lunch, Nissanka brought up his half-century, capitalizing on loose deliveries. At the other end, Dinesh Chandimal played with freedom, targeting Nayeem Hasan with well-timed sweeps and cuts. Together, they stitched a crucial 157-run partnership, frustrating Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
Soon after, Chandimal reached his own fifty with a streaky boundary. Nissanka, meanwhile, shifted gears, smashing three boundaries off Taijul in a single over. Then came a powerful slog sweep over wide long-on, lifting him into the nineties. Without much delay, he brought up his Pathum Nissanka century with a single — a moment of pure class.
Even after the milestone, he didn’t slow down. On the contrary, he attacked Nahid Rana with two more boundaries in the very next over. As a result, Sri Lanka’s run rate improved, and Bangladesh looked increasingly desperate for a breakthrough.
🫡 Mathews Steadies Sri Lanka After Chandimal’s Exit
Despite the positive momentum, Chandimal was dismissed shortly after his fifty. However, Angelo Mathews, in his farewell Test, came to the crease with great composure. He showed his experience, absorbing pressure while Nissanka continued to dominate.
Importantly, their partnership added 89 valuable runs. Just before Tea, Mathews slog-swept Taijul for six, adding to the hosts’ momentum. By this point, Sri Lanka had scored 133 runs in the session, shifting control in their favor.
🛑 Pathum Nissanka Century Ends at 187
After the break, Nissanka remained clinical. He guided the ball behind point, used the sweep judiciously, and was quick to capitalize on spin. Eventually, he brought up his 150 — another testament to his discipline and temperament.
Unfortunately, his brilliant innings came to an end just 13 short of a double century. As soon as Bangladesh took the second new ball, Hasan Mahmud produced a stunning inswinger that knocked over Nissanka’s stumps. It was a moment that briefly lifted Bangladesh spirits.
🛡️ Middle Order Ensures Solid End to the Day
Following Nissanka’s dismissal, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva were tasked with seeing off the remaining overs. They did so with calm assurance. Consequently, Sri Lanka ended Day 3 in a strong position at 368/4 — a position few would have predicted after Bangladesh’s 495.
📋 Day 3: Brief Scores
🇧🇩 Bangladesh – 495 all out
- Mushfiqur Rahim – 163
- Najmul Hossain Shanto – 148
- Litton Das – 90
- Asitha Fernando – 4/86
- Milan Ratnayake – 3/38
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – 368/4
- Pathum Nissanka – 187
- Dinesh Chandimal – 54
- Angelo Mathews – 39
- Hasan Mahmud – 1/49
- Mominul Haque – 1/24
🏏 Match Summary – Day 3, Galle Test
Bangladesh: 495
Sri Lanka: 368/4 (Trail by 127 runs)
Top Performer: Pathum Nissanka – 187 (Sri Lanka)
