Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 146 and Chandimal’s classy 93 power Sri Lanka to a 43-run lead over Bangladesh at stumps on Day 2 of the Test. Full match report and highlights.
Pathum Nissanka delivered a masterclass in patience and power with an unbeaten 146* to put Sri Lanka in control against Bangladesh at stumps on Day 2 of the Test in Colombo. Partnering with the ever-reliable Dinesh Chandimal, who fell for a valiant 93, the duo stitched together a commanding 194-run second-wicket stand, handing Sri Lanka a 43-run first-innings lead with eight wickets still in hand.
Bangladesh, who were dismissed for 247 earlier in the day, had no answers to the disciplined yet aggressive approach of the Lankan top order. Nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya joined Nissanka at the crease to close out the day safely, despite some tense moments and a late LBW review.
Chandimal’s dismissal late in the evening session falling just seven runs short of his 17th Test century while attempting a reverse sweep offered Bangladesh a sliver of relief. Earlier, Lahiru Udara had scored a handy 40 in an 88-run opening partnership before being trapped LBW post-lunch.
Nissanka was the standout performer, blending composure with aggression, as he punished anything loose, especially in the opening 10 overs, when Sri Lanka raced to a 5.5 run rate. His assertive start included a signature back-foot punch through covers for four a sign of intent that never wavered.
Bangladesh’s spinners, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, did briefly tighten the scoring rate with tight lines in the afternoon, but the hosts absorbed the pressure well. The third session saw another acceleration, as Sri Lanka added 72 runs in the last 16 overs at over 4.5 an over.
The Bangladesh seamers Ebadot Hossain and Nahid Rana struggled to maintain discipline, conceding 87 runs in 19 combined overs. Spinner Nayeem Hasan, who had been so effective in Galle, was taken apart by both Chandimal and Nissanka, leaking 45 runs off 43 balls and eventually dismissing Chandimal just before stumps.
Earlier in the morning, Bangladesh added only 20 runs before being bowled out. Taijul Islam offered resistance with a spirited 33, shielding the tail and playing confident shots against both pace and spin. However, Sri Lanka’s strategy of mixing short deliveries with full balls eventually paid off, with Asitha Fernando and Dinusha Fernando taking three wickets apiece to wrap up the innings.
Sri Lanka’s only blemish was yet another dropped catch, with Kamindu Mendis spilling a chance off Taijul. But Sonal Dinusha quickly cleaned up, dismissing the tail and setting the platform for the batting dominance that followed.
With Sri Lanka firmly in command and a lead already established, all eyes will be on whether Nissanka can convert his superb innings into a double hundred and bat Bangladesh out of the game.
