COLOMBO: Kusal Mendis leads Sri Lanka to a dominant position in the second Test against Bangladesh with a blistering 84 off just 87 balls. His aggressive innings helped the hosts post a massive first-innings total of 458. Bangladesh, in reply, collapsed to 115 for 6 by stumps on day three, still trailing by 96 runs. Sri Lanka now stand just four wickets away from sealing the series.
Sri Lanka posted a commanding 458, anchored by Pathum Nissanka’s 158 and Chandimal’s 93. After starting day three on 385 for 4, the home side added quick runs despite early strikes from Taijul Islam and Nahid Rana.
The morning started brightly for Bangladesh. Taijul dismissed Nissanka and then bowled Dhananjaya de Silva in quick succession. Kamindu Mendis and Kusal, however, rebuilt with a crucial 49-run stand.
Kamindu fell to a sharp delivery from Nayeem Hasan, who also dismissed Sonal Dinusha. But Sri Lanka’s lower order chipped in valuable runs. Tharindu Ratnayake smashed a six on debut, and Kusal kept the scoreboard moving.
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Kusal’s aggressive innings ended when he was run out attempting a risky second. “Sri Lanka tried to revert pressure back on to the bowlers while never quite looking convincing enough to pull clear,” the report said.
The innings wrapped up soon after, with Taijul finishing with figures of 5 for 131. Bangladesh trailed by 211 on a turning track—an ominous sign.
In reply, Bangladesh crumbled to 115 for 6 by stumps. Jayasuriya and Dhananjaya de Silva ran through the middle order. Only Mushfiqur Rahim showed some resistance with 26 runs.
“Shanto, too, fell in Dhananjaya’s third over as the arm ball went through the gate and trapped him plumb in front,” the report stated.
Jayasuriya bowled with sharp turn and nearly dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto multiple times. Dhananjaya struck twice as well, removing Mominul and Shanto with well-directed deliveries.
Bangladesh were 96 runs behind at the end of day three, still needing a miracle to save the match. With only four wickets left, Sri Lanka are eyeing a comfortable innings victory.
Tea break calls— Bangladesh trail by 180 on Day 3! 🏏#SriLankaCricket #SLvsBAN pic.twitter.com/w3xiiDUIuU
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 27, 2025
Match Summary:
Sri Lanka 458 (Nissanka 158, Chandimal 93, Kusal 84, Taijul 5-131)
Bangladesh 247 & 115/6 (Mushfiqur 26, Dhananjaya 2-13, Jayasuriya 2-47)
Bangladesh trail by 96 runs