Fri Jun 20 05:20:00 UTC 2025: **Nissanka’s Century Leads Sri Lanka Fightback Against Bangladesh in Galle Test**
**Galle, Sri Lanka -** Pathum Nissanka’s impressive century steered Sri Lanka to 368/4 at the end of Day 3 in the first Test against Bangladesh, setting the stage for a compelling battle at Galle International Stadium. Nissanka’s 187, his first Test century on home soil and third overall, spearheaded a strong Sri Lankan response to Bangladesh’s first innings total of 495.
Bangladesh added just five runs to their overnight score, concluding their innings at 495 when Asitha Fernando dismissed Nahid Rana. Prabath Jayasuriya, usually prolific at Galle, went wicketless.
Sri Lanka’s innings began with a new right-handed opening partnership, with Lahiru Udara making his debut alongside Nissanka. Udara played aggressively for his 29, before falling to Taijul Islam. Nissanka then anchored the innings, building a solid 157-run partnership with Dinesh Chandimal, who contributed a well-made 54.
Angelo Mathews, playing in his final Test match, added a resilient 39 before being dismissed. While Bangladesh stuck with spinners for the majority of the day, Hasan Mahmud bowled Nissanka with a brilliant inswinger shortly after taking the new ball. Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva saw Sri Lanka through to the end of the day’s play.
Despite Nissanka’s remarkable innings, Sri Lanka still trails Bangladesh by 127 runs. The match remains finely poised, with Sri Lanka hoping to capitalize on their strong batting performance to put pressure on the visitors.
**Brief Scores:**
* **Bangladesh:** 495 (Mushfiqur Rahim 163, Najmul Hossain Shanto 148, Litton Das 90; Asitha Fernando 4-86, Milan Rathanayake 3-38)
* **Sri Lanka:** 368/4 (Pathum Nissanka 187, Dinesh Chandimal 54; Mominul Haque 1-24, Hasan Mahmud 1-49)
**Sri Lanka trail by 127 runs.**
First Piper 