BAN vs SL: Pathum Nissanka’s gritty 187 helps Sri Lanka counter Bangladesh’s 495 on Day 3

Pathum Nissanka's career-best 187 propelled Sri Lanka to 368-4 on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Galle. Sri Lanka is now trailing by 127 runs after Bangladesh's first innings total of 495.

Nissanka's innings was a display of skill, featuring 23 fours and a six. He faced 256 balls before being dismissed by Hasan Mahmud late in the day. The Sri Lankan opener, who had been struggling with his form, managed to build crucial partnerships throughout the day.

"This is my first Test hundred at home, so I was very happy to get there. It is important that we get a decent lead and put them under pressure," Nissanka stated after the day's play. He also expressed his disappointment at getting out and acknowledged his recent struggles, stating he was "trying to make the most of today."

Kamindu Mendis (37) and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (17) remained at the crease when play ended, with the Galle pitch favoring the batsmen.

Bangladesh's bowlers took four wickets, with Mahmud, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, and Mominul Haque each claiming one.

The day started with Lahiru Udara's early dismissal for 29, caught by Islam. Subsequently, Dinesh Chandimal contributed a solid 54 runs, forming a 157-run partnership with Nissanka.

Angelo Matthews, playing his farewell Test, was honored by the opposition with a guard of honor. He scored 39 runs before being caught by Haque, bringing the team total to 293.

Sri Lanka quickly wrapped up Bangladesh's innings in the morning session, securing the final wicket within three overs after their overnight score of 484-9. Asitha Fernando took the last wicket of Nahid Rana, who edged to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, resulting in figures of 4-86 from 29.4 overs for Fernando.

Bangladesh had dominated the second day, reaching 458-4 before losing five wickets for 26 runs in the final hour of the rain-affected day.

Bangladesh's bowling coach, Shaun Tait, commented on the challenging conditions for the fast bowlers. "It was difficult conditions for the fast bowlers today, they toiled hard."

Tait acknowledged the lower order's limited contribution, while expressing satisfaction with the overall score.

Bangladesh won the toss at the start of the match and posted 495 in their first innings, which included centuries from Najmul Hossain Shanto (148) and Mushfiqur Rahim (163).