Bangladesh placed Sri Lanka under early pressure, but Pathum Nissanka's stellar 187 drives the hosts' pushback in the opening Test.
Revised Article:
Galle's test field transformed into a batting paradise as Sri Lanka chased down Bangladesh's hefty 495-run total on day three. Pathum Nissanka's career-best 187 shone brightest, anchoring the hosts' courageous fightback before they ended on a formidable 368-4.
With just 127 runs separating the two teams, the match hangs in the balance. Nissanka, under pressure before the game, responded with a resounding 23 fours and a six in his 256-ball vigil. Sure, he fell to Hasan Mahmud, but not before setting the stage for Kamindu Mendis (37) and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (17) to take charge on the fourth day.
The Galle wicket, still a batsman's delight, could prove the difference. Besides Mahmud, Bangladesh's bowlers managed to claim only three more wickets - Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, and Mominul Haque – in a relatively uneventful session.
The day began with Bangladesh losing their last batsman Nahid Rana to Asitha Fernando for a duck, giving the quick bowler impressive figures of 4-86 from 29.4 overs. After cruising to 458-4 on day two, Bangladesh's upper order crumbled spectacularly, losing five wickets for 26 runs in the final hour.
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (148) and Mushfiqur Rahim (163) carved out solid centuries, while Litton Das (90) missed out on a century by 10 runs. The turning point arrived when Fernando, generating reverse swing, sent Rahim packing, following it up with the dismissal of Das soon after.
Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka's reluctant but valiant hero, played a significant role in the hosts' pursuit. He formed key partnerships with stalwarts like Dinesh Chandimal (54) and veteran Angelo Matthews (39), who walked out to bat in his farewell Test to a guard of honor from the opposition.
In a gripping and closely-fought battle, day three sets the stage for an exhilarating finish. The contest promises to be anyone's game as both teams showcase impressive batting performances on a pitch that continues to reward attack. Let's see who emerges triumphant on the final day!
- News headlines might report, "Pathum Nissanka's Career-Best 187powers Sri Lanka's Fightback in Test Match Against Bangladesh," or "In the Galle Test, Nissanka Shines, Setting Stage for a Career-Defining Finish."
- Sports analysts could be seen discussing, "Nissanka's Impact on Sri Lanka's Interrning Bangladesh Career-defining," or "Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: The Role of Pathum Nissanka's Career-best Knock in the Thrilling Contest."
