Colombo: Sri Lanka ended day two of the second Test against Bangladesh in control, leading by 43 runs with eight wickets in hand. Nissanka’s Ton Puts Sri Lanka Ahead in Colombo Test.
After dismissing Bangladesh for 247, Sri Lanka responded strongly, reaching 290 for 2 at stumps. Pathum Nissanka remained unbeaten on 146, guiding the innings with a mix of aggression and patience.
The standout moment was his 194-run partnership with Dinesh Chandimal, who made a fluent 93 before falling late in the final session.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
From the very first over, Sri Lanka signaled intent. Nissanka opened his account with a classy backfoot punch through covers. The opening stand between Nissanka and Lahiru Udara added 88 runs before Udara was trapped lbw for 40 just after lunch.
Sri Lanka scored at 5.5 runs per over in the first 10 overs, punishing Bangladesh’s loose bowling. Though scoring slowed before lunch, the platform had already been set.
Bangladesh Bowlers Struggle for Control
Spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam led a brief fightback before tea, keeping the scoring rate low. After the break, Bangladesh used short-pitched bowling to stall the scoring. Nissanka absorbed pressure, even taking two blows to the helmet during this phase.
The plan briefly worked as Sri Lanka managed only 28 runs in the first 12 overs after tea. But the innings regained momentum, with 72 runs coming from the next 16 overs.
Chandimal Falls Short of Century
Chandimal looked set for his 17th Test hundred. However, he perished for 93 while attempting a reverse sweep, providing Bangladesh some relief late in the day.
Despite the loss, Sri Lanka remained firmly on top. Prabath Jayasuriya, in as nightwatcher, survived a late lbw review scare to support Nissanka till stumps.
Sri Lankan Bowlers Wrap Up Bangladesh Quickly
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s innings ended within the first hour. Taijul Islam had offered late resistance with a brisk 33, taking on both spin and pace. He even shielded the tailenders while attacking confidently.
Ebadot Hossain was undone by a well-executed fuller delivery after a series of short balls. The final wicket fell when Taijul skied one to mid-off.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Sonal Dinusha (3-22) and Asitha Fernando (3-51), maintained discipline throughout the innings.
Nayeem Gets Late Wicket but Faces Tough Test Ahead
Nayeem Hasan struggled for rhythm on a surface that didn’t assist as much as expected. He conceded 45 runs from 43 balls against the well-set pair of Nissanka and Chandimal.
Despite getting Chandimal’s wicket, Nayeem will need to improve his consistency if Bangladesh hopes to fight back in this Test.
Sri Lanka will resume on day three with a strong chance to build a big first-innings lead and put Bangladesh under pressure.
🏏 Match Summary: 2nd Test, Colombo (SSC), June 25–29, 2025
Bangladesh Tour of Sri Lanka – Day 2 Summary
Stumps – Day 2:
Sri Lanka 290/2 (Nissanka 146*, Chandimal 93, Nayeem 1-45)
Bangladesh 247 (Shadman 46, Mushfiqur 35, Dinusha 3-22, Asitha 3-51)
Sri Lanka lead by 43 runs with 8 wickets in hand