Cricholic
📰 Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Day 3 Summary
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh continued at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, where the home side stamped their authority on Day 3 of the second Test. With a commanding 158 from Pathum Nissanka and an explosive 84 from Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka surged to 458 in their first innings. Their bowlers followed up with a clinical performance, reducing Bangladesh to 115/6 by stumps. The visitors still trail by 96 runs and face an uphill task to avoid defeat.
🏏 Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Batting Brilliance from the Hosts
🔥 Pathum Nissanka’s Masterclass
Pathum Nissanka resumed on 146* and showed no signs of nervousness as he cruised past 150. His composed innings helped Sri Lanka cross the 300-run mark early in the day. However, the second new ball—changed after just 2.1 overs—shifted momentum slightly. Taijul Islam struck quickly, dismissing Nissanka and then captain Dhananjaya de Silva in successive overs, sparking a brief fightback for the visitors.
💥 Kusal Mendis Turns on the Heat
Despite losing two quick wickets, Sri Lanka’s momentum didn’t dip. Kamindu Mendis punished wayward bowling with four boundaries in a short span. Together with Kusal Mendis, he added 51 valuable runs. Kamindu’s resistance ended when Nayeem Hasan bowled him just before lunch. Post-break, Kusal upped the tempo. He reached his half-century in just 60 balls and unleashed a flurry of shots, including two sixes and a four off Nayeem. Unfortunately, his attacking knock ended with a run-out on 84. Taijul Islam finished with a five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka ended their innings at 458.
🎯 Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Bowling Breakthroughs Shift the Game
⚡ Positive Start, but Bangladesh Falter
Bangladesh began their second innings positively. Openers Shadman Islam and Anamul Haque looked comfortable, adding 28 runs in quick time. The hosts were forced to turn to spin as early as the sixth over. However, pacer Asitha Fernando broke through with the final ball of the second session, removing Anamul and tilting the balance again.
😨 Collapse After the Break
Soon after tea, Shadman edged one behind. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque adopted a cautious approach, even clearing the ropes once. But De Silva’s introduction proved lethal—he dismissed Mominul and Najmul in quick succession. Mushfiqur Rahim tried to steady things but was bowled by Jayasuriya, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz was trapped LBW off the last ball of the day, capping a dreadful session for Bangladesh.
📊 Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Scorecard Overview
Sri Lanka – 458
(Pathum Nissanka 158, Kusal Mendis 84, Dinesh Chandimal 93; Taijul Islam 5/131, Nayeem Hasan 3/87)
Bangladesh – 247 & 115/6
(Mushfiqur Rahim 26*; Dhananjaya de Silva 2/13, Prabath Jayasuriya 2/47)
⏭️ Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – What to Expect on Day 4
With Bangladesh still trailing by 96 runs and only four wickets remaining, their hopes of salvaging the match are slim. The Sri Lankan bowlers have been relentless, and unless Bangladesh’s lower order produces something extraordinary, a series win for Sri Lanka looks imminent.
🧠 Key Takeaways
- Pathum Nissanka’s technique and temperament were world-class.
- Kusal Mendis provided the perfect counterattacking innings.
- Taijul Islam’s 5-wicket haul was a silver lining for Bangladesh.
- Sri Lanka’s bowlers worked as a unit to pile pressure on the visitors.
