Fri Jun 27 06:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Sri Lanka Dominates Day 3, Bangladesh Faces Stiff Target
**Colombo, Sri Lanka** – Sri Lanka tightened their grip on the ongoing Test match against Bangladesh, extending their first innings lead to a commanding 180 runs. A resilient lower-order batting display, spearheaded by Kusal Mendis’ aggressive 84, propelled the hosts to a total of 458 after 117 overs. Bangladesh ended the day at 31 for 1, trailing by 180 runs.
Sri Lanka resumed their innings on Day 3, with Pathum Nissanka (158) and Dhananjaya de Silva at the crease. Bangladesh struck early, with Taijul Islam removing Nissanka and de Silva in quick succession. However, the visitors struggled to capitalize on the momentum as Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis forged a stubborn partnership.
Nayeem Hasan eventually broke the partnership, but the lower order continued to frustrate the Bangladeshi bowlers. Tharindu Ratnayake, in particular, contributed a valuable 21, including a six for his first Test runs. Kusal Mendis then took charge, accelerating the scoring and reaching his half-century before being run out for 84. Taijul Islam eventually completed his five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 131.
Facing a challenging 180-run deficit, Bangladesh endured a shaky start to their second innings. After a brief opening partnership, Anamul Haque was dismissed on the final ball before tea, leaving Shadman Islam unbeaten on 12. Asitha Fernando claimed the wicket.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh had briefly clawed back into the contest, with Taijul Islam leading the charge. However, Sri Lanka’s lower-order resistance proved too strong, and the hosts now find themselves in a dominant position.
First Piper 