• Pathum Nissanka’s spectacular century on Day 3 revived Sri Lanka’s hopes after Bangladesh’s imposing first-innings total.

  • Sri Lanka's strong reply has set up a thrilling contest at Galle trailing by 314 run .

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

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The storied Galle International Stadium set the stage for a high voltage battle as Sri Lanka took on Bangladesh in the first Test of their 2025 series. Bangladesh, buoyed by a formidable batting display, posted a mammoth 495 in their first innings, putting the hosts under immense pressure. But Day 3 belonged to Pathum Nissanka, whose counter-attacking century not only electrified the crowd but also reignited Sri Lankan hopes in a match that had threatened to slip away.

Pathum Nissanka’s dazzling century turns the tide for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh

With Sri Lanka staring down the barrel, trailing by a daunting 495 after Bangladesh’s imposing total—built on Mushfiqur Rahim’s masterful 163 and Najmul Hossain Shanto’s gritty 148—the onus was on the top order to deliver. Nissanka rose to the occasion with a sublime century that was as much about resilience as it was about flair.

Nissanka began cautiously, weathering the early storm from Bangladesh’s pacers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana, who consistently clocked speeds in the mid-140s. The early loss of debutant Lahiru Udara for a brisk 29 could have rattled the hosts, but Nissanka, unflappable at the crease, found a reliable partner in Dinesh Chandimal. Together, they stitched a crucial partnership, with Nissanka reaching his fifty off 88 balls, peppered with elegant drives and assured footwork.

As the session progressed, Nissanka shifted gears, punishing anything loose and threading the gaps with precision. His century, brought up off just 136 deliveries with 13 boundaries and a six, was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. The Galle crowd erupted as he raised his bat, acknowledging a knock that had not only steadied Sri Lanka but also injected fresh energy into the contest.

Also READ: Fans applaud Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das’ dominant batting performance against Sri Lanka on rain-hit Day 2 of Galle Test

Here’s how fans reacted:

Sri Lanka’s fightback in the Galle Test on Day 3

Day 3 began with Sri Lanka quickly wrapping up the Bangladesh innings, thanks to Asitha Fernando’s four-wicket haul and Milan Rathnayake’s disciplined bowling. The hosts, however, knew that the real challenge lay ahead—negotiating Bangladesh’s spin-heavy attack on a pitch expected to deteriorate.

Sri Lanka’s reply was brisk and purposeful. Despite the early setback of Udara’s wicket, the hosts maintained a scoring rate just above four runs per over. By lunch, they had reached 100/1, with Nissanka and Chandimal looking settled. The duo’s partnership flourished, with Chandimal playing the perfect foil, rotating strike and allowing Nissanka to dictate terms.

By the drinks break in the second session, Sri Lanka had advanced to 181/1 after 44 overs, with Nissanka unbeaten on 101 and Chandimal nearing his own half-century. The deficit, though still substantial at 314 runs, looked less daunting thanks to the positive intent shown by the batters. The home crowd, sensing a shift in momentum, found their voice, rallying behind their team as the prospect of a thrilling contest loomed large.

With plenty of cricket left in the match, the stage is set for an intriguing battle. Sri Lanka’s hopes now rest on the shoulders of Nissanka and Chandimal to continue their resistance, while Bangladesh will be desperate for breakthroughs to regain control. Day 3 has already delivered high drama, and with the pitch likely to offer more for the bowlers as the game progresses, fans can expect more twists in this Galle classic.

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.