• Sri Lanka responded to Bangladesh’s imposing first-innings total of 495 with an authoritative batting effort on Day 3 of Galle Test.

  • Pathum Nissanka was the standout performer, crafting a magnificent 187 and turned the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favour.

Fans react as Pathum Nissanka’s sensational 187 leads Sri Lanka’s fightback against Bangladesh on Day 3 of Galle Test
SL vs BAN (Image Source: X)

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Sri Lanka responded to Bangladesh’s imposing first-innings total of 495 with a composed and authoritative batting effort on Day 3 of the 1st Test at Galle. Pathum Nissanka was the standout performer, crafting a magnificent 187 that anchored the innings and turned the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favour. His elegant strokeplay and ability to convert starts into a big score highlighted his growing stature in the Test arena. With valuable contributions from Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka finished Day 3 at 368/4 in 93 overs, trailing by 127 runs and firmly in the contest.

Pathum Nissanka’s masterclass lays the foundation for Sri Lanka on Day 3

Nissanka batted with poise and maturity from the moment he walked out to the middle. Despite the early loss of Lahiru Udara, who fell to Taijul Islam for 29, Nissanka held firm. He built crucial partnerships, first a 157-run stand with Dinesh Chandimal, who scored a steady 54, and then a 89-run stand with Angelo Mathews, who added 39. Nissanka brought up his half-century off 88 balls, his century off 136 deliveries, and his 150 off just 201 balls,  an innings marked by crisp timing, controlled aggression, and unshakable focus. His lone six and 23 boundaries came with elegant placement rather than raw power. He was eventually dismissed for 187 by Hasan Mahmud late in the final session, bringing to an end one of the finest Test knocks by a Sri Lankan opener in recent times. His innings was the backbone of a disciplined reply as Sri Lanka avoided collapse and steadily built towards parity.

Also READ: SL vs BAN: Fans go berserk as Pathum Nissanka smashes a counter attacking century on Day 3 of the Galle Test

Bangladesh’s bowlers toil without reward a Galle

Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to maintain the same level of control they displayed during their batting dominance. With the pitch offering little assistance by Day 3, the likes of Nahid Rana and Nayeem Hasan found it difficult to extract movement or spin. Hasan and Taijul Islam picked up one wicket each, while part-timer Mominul Haque managed to remove Mathews with a sharp turner. But for most of the day, the bowlers were left frustrated by Sri Lanka’s solid technique and calculated approach. The second new ball taken late in the day did offer a brief glimmer of hope, but Kamindu Mendis (37 not out) and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (17 not out) ensured there were no further breakthroughs. With two days left and Sri Lanka still 127 runs behind, the match is delicately poised for a gripping finish.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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