Can Nissanka and Chandimal Lead Sri Lanka to Victory Against Bangladesh?

Colombo, June 26 (NationPress) A magnificent unbeaten 146 by opener Pathum Nissanka and his pivotal 194-run second-wicket partnership with Dinesh Chandimal (93) propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding position as they concluded Day 2 of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. They reached stumps at 290 for 2, establishing a lead of 43 runs.

Nissanka recorded a century in his second consecutive match, following a stellar 187 in the first innings of the drawn Test in Galle.

This batting display was a showcase of dominance on a pitch that had troubled Bangladesh just a day prior, as Sri Lanka overshadowed the visitors in every aspect.

The day began with the hosts efficiently wrapping up Bangladesh’s first innings, claiming the last two wickets within the initial hour. Sonal Dinusha and Asitha Fernando each secured three wickets by executing a strategic short-ball plan that dismissed both tailenders. Despite a brief fight from Taijul Islam, who scored 33, the innings concluded at 247.

In response, Sri Lanka initiated their innings with vigor. Nissanka began with a confident boundary off his very first delivery, setting a positive tone. He and debutant Lahiru Udara formed an 88-run opening partnership, with Udara contributing 40 before being dismissed lbw by Taijul Islam shortly after lunch.

Chandimal then joined Nissanka, and they established one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive partnerships in recent history. The duo combined caution with aggression, effectively punishing any loose deliveries. While Bangladesh's spinners had moments of control, particularly post-tea, the Sri Lankan batters displayed patience.

Nissanka, who endured a barrage of bouncers, exhibited remarkable composure and skill throughout his innings, striking 18 boundaries to maintain the scoring momentum. Chandimal supported him excellently before falling for 93 while attempting a reverse sweep against Nayeem Hasan, agonizingly missing out on a 17th Test century.

Bangladesh's bowlers struggled with consistency; seamers Ebadot Hossain and Nahid Rana were expensive, lacking the discipline shown by their Sri Lankan counterparts. Although Nayeem Hasan eventually broke the critical partnership, he often bowled too short or too full, conceding 45 runs from 43 balls.

As daylight waned, nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya joined Nissanka to see through the final overs, surviving a tense lbw review. At stumps, Sri Lanka was in a strong position at 290 for 2, ready to extend their lead on Day 3.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh 247 all out in 79.3 overs (Shadman Islam 46, Litton Das 34; Sonal Dinusha 3-22, Asith Fernando 3-51) trail Sri Lanka 290/2 in 78 overs (Pathum Nissanka 146 not out, Dinesh Chandimal 93; Ebadot Hossain 1-33, Nayeem Hasan 1-45) lead by 43 runs.