Day three of the first Test in Galle proved a challenging one for Bangladesh's bowlers, as Sri Lanka's opening batsman Pathum Nissanka put on a masterclass, reaching an unbeaten 187. His stellar performance, combined with significant partnerships with Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews, propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding 368/4 by stumps, trailing Bangladesh's first-innings total by just 127 runs.
Nissanka formed crucial alliances throughout the day, including a 157-run stand with Dinesh Chandimal (54) and an 89-run partnership with Angelo Mathews (39).
Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto resorted to part-time left-arm spinner Mominul Haque in a desperate search for a breakthrough during the final session. The move paid immediate dividends, with Mominul dismissing Mathews to break the resilient 89-run stand. Mathews, on 39, prodded forward to a slow, flighted delivery that turned and bounced, taking the edge of his bat. Wicketkeeper Litton Das completed the dismissal with a sharp catch. Mathews' wicket left Sri Lanka at 293 for three.
Just before the Tea break, off-spinner Nayeem Hasan provided Bangladesh with a crucial breakthrough, removing Dinesh Chandimal. The players and umpires then formed a guard of honour for all-rounder Angelo Mathews, playing his final Test match at the Galle International Stadium.
Sri Lanka had moved to 233 for two in 60 overs at Tea, with Nissanka unbeaten on 126 and Mathews on 21. Nayeem had Chandimal nick one back to leg slip, ending his 157-run second-wicket stand with Pathum Nissanka, who had brought up his third Test ton earlier. Chandimal contributed a solid 54 off 119 deliveries. With the Galle surface offering little for the bowlers, Bangladesh struggled for wickets as Sri Lanka steadily chipped away at their first innings total of 495.
The fall of Chandimal, the only wicket in that session, saw Mathews walk out for his 119th and final Test. The all-rounder, with 8167 Test runs at an average of 44.62, was warmly received with a guard of honour. Despite Bangladesh's aggressive field settings, Mathews responded robustly, smashing a boundary and a maximum to quickly get into his stride.
Earlier in the day, Pathum Nissanka notched his third Test century, his first at home, off just 136 deliveries. He had stitched together a 134-run unbroken second-wicket stand with Dinesh Chandimal, moving Sri Lanka to 181 for one in 44 overs in response to Bangladesh's 495. Chandimal was also nearing his 33rd Test fifty, unbeaten on 48 at that point. Sri Lanka significantly upped their scoring rate after Lunch, capitalising on the batting-friendly conditions. Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam secured the only wicket for the Tigers in the first session, removing opener Lahiru Udara (29 off 34) early on. However, Sri Lanka quickly regained control, with openers Nissanka and Udara smashing boundaries in their 47-run opening stand. Udara's dismissal came from a tossed-up delivery from Taijul, which he tried to play on the onside but misjudged, offering a leading edge back to the bowler. He departed after a 34-ball 29, leaving Sri Lanka at 52 for one after 13 overs, with Nissanka unbeaten on 15.
The hosts dominated the first session, reaching 100 for one in 27 overs at Lunch. Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal rebuilt the innings with an unbroken 53-run second-wicket stand after Udara's early exit. Bangladesh, having started the day at 484 for nine, added only 11 runs to their overnight score before being bowled out for 495 in their first innings.
