June 28, 2025 — Sri Lanka National Cricket Team completed a commanding victory over Bangladesh National Cricket Team by an innings and 78 runs on Day 4 of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo, clinching the two-match series 1-0. The hosts completely outplayed the visitors with both bat and ball, headlined by a superb century from Pathum Nissanka and a five-wicket haul from spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.
The win marked a dominant return to red-ball form for the Sri Lankans, who bounced back after a drawn first Test to seal the series in style.
Match Summary:
- Bangladesh 1st Innings: 247 all out
- Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 458 all out
- Bangladesh 2nd Innings: 133 all out
- Result: Sri Lanka won by an innings and 78 runs
- Series: Sri Lanka wins the two-match series 1–0
Nissanka Leads the Charge with Brilliant 158
Player of the Match and Series, Pathum Nissanka, was the star with the bat. His composed and technically sound knock of 158 runs off 254 balls anchored Sri Lanka’s massive first-innings total of 458. Nissanka’s innings was decorated with elegant strokes, excellent footwork against spin, and long partnerships—most notably with Dinesh Chandimal, who contributed a fine 93.
The pair blunted the Bangladeshi bowling attack through patience and precision, steadily building Sri Lanka’s advantage after a solid platform was laid.
Taijul Islam Fights with the Ball
Despite the lopsided result, Taijul Islam put up a brave effort for Bangladesh, finishing with 5/131 in 42.5 overs. He was the lone bright spark in an otherwise listless bowling performance, toiling hard on an unresponsive track. Nayeem Hasan chipped in with 3/87, but the visitors failed to contain Sri Lanka’s batting depth.
Bangladesh’s Batting Collapse
Bangladesh, who won the toss and opted to bat first, were unable to post competitive totals in either innings. In their first effort, they reached 247, with opener Shadman Islam scoring 46 and Mushfiqur Rahim adding 35. However, that was as good as it got for the Tigers.
In the second innings, they crumbled under pressure, folding for just 133 runs, thanks to a sensational spell from Prabath Jayasuriya, who returned with figures of 5/56 in 18 overs. Jayasuriya exploited the deteriorating pitch brilliantly, mixing flight and turn to torment the batters. Only Mushfiqur Rahim (26) and Anamul Haque (19) showed brief resistance, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a humiliating innings defeat.
Asitha, Dinusha Shine in Bowling Department
Apart from Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando (3/51) and Sonal Dinusha (3/22) also made significant contributions with the ball in Bangladesh’s first innings. Dinusha’s quick breakthroughs helped Sri Lanka prevent Bangladesh from building any momentum early in the match.
Ominous Warning for Bangladesh’s Test Prospects
This defeat once again exposed Bangladesh’s vulnerability in foreign conditions, especially on turning wickets. Their inability to construct partnerships and adapt their batting approach cost them dearly. With little time before their next series, questions will be asked about their top-order consistency and bowling penetration.
Sri Lanka’s Positives and Future Outlook
For Sri Lanka, the series win is a major boost ahead of their upcoming Test assignments in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. The form of Nissanka and the spin prowess of Jayasuriya will give them confidence, especially as they aim to climb the WTC table.
Coach Chris Silverwood and captain Dimuth Karunaratne will be pleased with how the squad responded after a rain-affected draw in the first Test.
Awards:
- Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka (158)
- Player of the Series: Pathum Nissanka
As the Sri Lankan team celebrates a dominant home victory, Bangladesh will need to head back to the drawing board with urgent questions about their batting and overall strategy. With a crucial year of Test cricket ahead, the lessons from Colombo must not go unheeded.
