Nissanka falls short of double century as Sri Lanka dominate Day 3

It was a testing day for the Bangladesh bowlers as Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka dominated proceedings on Day 3 of the first Test in Galle on Thursday.

Nissanka compiled a magnificent 187, forging partnerships of 157 with Dinesh Chandimal (54) and 89 with Angelo Mathews (39), helping Sri Lanka reach 368 for 4 at stumps—just 127 runs shy of Bangladesh's first-innings total. Kamindu Mendis (37*) and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (17*) will resume Sri Lanka's innings on Day 4, with the Galle surface continuing to favour the batters.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh could only add 11 runs to their overnight total of 484 for 9 before pacer Asitha Fernando completed his fourth wicket, dismissing Nahid Rana and ending the Tigers' innings at 495.

Sri Lanka made a solid start, with Nissanka and debutant Lahiru Udara laying the foundation. Udara, who looked assured during his 29 off 34, was the first to fall—chipping a return catch to Taijul Islam.

The Tigers were then made to work hard for their next breakthrough. It took nearly 40 overs before off-spinner Nayeem Hasan outfoxed Chandimal by coming around the wicket and enticing a leg-side flick to Shadman Islam at leg slip.

With Sri Lanka piling on the runs, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto turned to part-time spinner Mominul Haque in the final session. The gamble paid dividends, as Mominul broke an 89-run stand by dismissing Mathews. The veteran right-hander edged a slow, flighted delivery, and wicketkeeper Litton Das completed a routine catch behind the stumps.