Pathum Nissanka continued his impressive form in the Test series, finishing Day Two unbeaten on 146 as Sri Lanka ended with a 47-run lead over Bangladesh.
The story of the morning session wasn’t Bangladesh’s starting score of 220 for 8, but the impressive resilience of Taijul Islam. Batting far down the order, he put some of the top-order batsmen to shame, showing a cool confidence as he picked up vital runs for his team.
But Ebadot Hossain fell early for 8, and Taijul’s resistance ended at 33. Bangladesh’s first innings wrapped up at 247.
Sri Lankan all-rounder Sonal Dinusha made an impact on debut, claiming three wickets.
Sri Lanka’s reply was aggressive from the start. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara attacked the bowlers and put Bangladesh under pressure. By lunch, they had reached 83 without loss.
Taijul Islam provided the first breakthrough soon after the break, removing Udara for 40. The opening stand ended at 88.
Nissanka pushed on to complete his eighth Test half-century and formed a solid second-wicket stand with Dinesh Chandimal.
Chandimal brought up his 34th career fifty. The pair stitched together an impressive 196-run stand, handling the bowlers without much trouble.
At the tea break, Sri Lanka were 190 for 1. Nissanka stood on 93, and Chandimal was on 54. They added 107 runs in that session alone.
After tea, Nissanka reached his second straight century in the series. It was also his fourth Test ton.
Chandimal kept the momentum going until he was dismissed for 93 by Nayeem Hasan.
With Sri Lanka at 250 for 2, they introduced Prabath Jayasuriya as nightwatchman in place of Dhananjaya de Silva.
At stumps, Sri Lanka were firmly in control at 290 for 2. Nissanka was unbeaten on 146, and Jayasuriya was on 5.
Bangladesh’s bowling lacked discipline throughout the day. They now face a serious challenge to get back into the match.
