GALLE, June 19 — After three eventful days of the Galle Test, both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka remain firmly in contention, with the hosts recovering strongly thanks to a brilliant century from Pathum Nissanka after Bangladesh’s top-order powered them to a dominant start.
Day 1: Bangladesh Recover After Early Jitters
Bangladesh made a shaky start to their innings after opting to bat first, slipping to 45 for 3 within the first session. However, the day turned completely in their favour thanks to an unbroken partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim.
The pair batted with patience and precision to post a 247-run stand by stumps. Shanto finished the day unbeaten on 136, while Mushfiqur stood on 105*. The Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly debutant Tharindu Rathnayake, struggled after the initial breakthroughs.
While Milan Rathnayake showed control with the ball, the visitors dominated the latter half of the day, taking full advantage of a batting-friendly pitch.
Day 2: Bangladesh Post 495 Before Sri Lanka Fight Back
Bangladesh continued their strong batting performance on the second day, eventually reaching 495. Mushfiqur went on to score 163, while Litton Das contributed 90 in a strong partnership that further extended Bangladesh’s grip on the match.
However, a two-hour rain delay in the afternoon shifted momentum. The Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly Milan Rathnayake and Asitha Fernando, used the post-rain conditions effectively. The final session saw Bangladesh lose five wickets for just 61 runs, including the set batters and tail.
The late collapse meant Sri Lanka walked away from Day 2 with renewed belief, having restricted Bangladesh from crossing the 500-mark by a larger margin.
Day 3: Nissanka’s Heroics Bring Sri Lanka Back
On Day 3, Sri Lanka responded with confidence, led by a stunning 187 from Pathum Nissanka. His composed innings helped guide Sri Lanka to 368 for 4 at stumps, reducing the first-innings deficit to just 127 runs.
He built key partnerships with Lahiru Udara, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Kamindu Mendis. The batting unit maintained a run rate close to four an over throughout the day, capitalizing on the still-playable pitch. Chandimal chipped in with 54, while Mathews contributed 39 in his final Test appearance.
Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to maintain control and were largely expensive. While they managed to pick up four wickets — one each for Hasan Mahmud, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, and Mominul Haque — their lines and lengths were inconsistent across spells.
What Lies Ahead
With Sri Lanka trailing by 127 and still having six wickets in hand, Day 4 presents a critical juncture. Bangladesh will look to strike early and regain control, while Sri Lanka aim to level or surpass the first-innings total and apply scoreboard pressure.
With two days to go and signs of pitch deterioration becoming more evident, the match remains finely balanced and a result is still very much on the cards.