Pathum Nissanka sets new career high as Sri Lanka continue chase

GALLE: Sri Lanka now trail by less than 250 runs in the third and final session of day three of the first test against Bangladesh, thanks to a fantastic knock by Pathum Nissanka.

Sri Lanka’s largest partnership thus far came from Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal, who added 157 runs off 238 deliveries. Chandimal contributed 54 of those runs, before he was caught out by Shadman Islam on a delivery from Nayeem Hasan in the 52nd over.

Nissanka is still leading the charge for the Lions, currently sitting at 137 runs off 191 balls after 64 overs played. The Sri Lankan batter has gotten familiar with the boundary, hitting 17 fours and a six thus far.

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Shortly after play resumed after the tea break, Nissanka surpassed his previous career high in tests, which came against England in Septmeber of 2024, when he scored 127 in the second innings. The emphatic knock marked the 27-year old’s third century in tests and his first at home.

The only other dismissal Sri Lanka suffered was that of Lahiru Udara, who scored 29 off 34 before Taijul Islam’s delivery found a leading edge, sending the ball right back into the hands of the Bangladeshi bowler.

Angelo Mathews currently joins Nissanka on the field, and has scored 27 off 40. Sri Lanka stand at 250 for two after 64 overs, currently trailing by 245.

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