Nissanka leads Sri Lanka fightback with unbeaten century

Opener Pathum Nissanka struck a masterful unbeaten century as Sri Lanka reached 233-2 at tea on Day 3, mounting a strong reply to Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 495 in the opening Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.

Nissanka, batting with poise and precision on a placid surface, remained not out on 126 at the second interval, his innings laced with 16 boundaries and a six. He was accompanied by veteran Angelo Mathews on 21, in what is expected to be Mathews' final Test.

The right-handed opener anchored Sri Lanka’s innings after the early dismissal of debutant Lahiru Udara, who made a brisk 29 off 34 deliveries, including six fours. Udara’s promising start was cut short by spinner Taijul Islam, who deceived him with a well-flighted delivery.

Nissanka then found an able partner in Dinesh Chandimal as the pair added 157 runs for the second wicket, mixing caution with calculated aggression. Chandimal contributed 54 before falling to off-spinner Nayeem Hasan, who beat him with a quicker one. Nayeem nearly removed Nissanka in his next over, but wicketkeeper Liton Das failed to hold onto the edge when the batter was on 117.

Bangladesh’s pace attack struggled to extract much from the unresponsive surface. Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud toiled without reward, while Taijul provided some control in the middle session.

Earlier in the morning, Bangladesh resumed on 484-9 and could add just 11 more runs before being bowled out for 495. Asitha Fernando wrapped up the innings by dismissing Nahid Rana in the third over of the day. Fernando finished with 4-86, while Milan Rathnayake, who impressed with reverse swing late on Day 2, claimed 3-39. Debutant Tharindu Rathnayake ended with 3-196.

For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim top-scored with a fine 163, supported by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (148) and Liton Das (90), helping the visitors post a formidable first-innings total.

With the pitch offering little to bowlers, Sri Lanka’s batters responded with positive intent, aiming to close the deficit of 262 runs and push for a result on a slow surface.