The opening clash of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh continues to unfold into a gripping contest of endurance and grit at the iconic Galle International Stadium. As stumps were called on Day 3, Sri Lanka reached 368/4 in their first innings, trailing Bangladesh’s formidable 495-run total by 127 runs.
While Bangladesh set the tone with the bat earlier in the match, it was Sri Lanka’s dependable opener Pathum Nissanka who stole the spotlight on Thursday with a masterclass in temperament and technique.
Nissanka’s Career-Best Keeps Sri Lanka in the Game
Facing pressure from Bangladesh’s big total, Pathum Nissanka rose to the challenge with an unbeaten 187 off 256 deliveries, a knock that included 23 boundaries and one six. The innings is now regarded as his best in Test cricket, showcasing his growth as a key pillar in Sri Lanka’s batting order.
His calm approach at the crease provided the much-needed stability after the early dismissal of opening partner Lahiru Udara, who scored 29 from 34 balls before falling to Taijul Islam.
At the other end, veteran Dinesh Chandimal chipped in with a gritty 54, while Angelo Mathews added 39 off 69 balls before being caught by Litton Das off the bowling of Mominul Haque.
By the end of Day 3, Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten on 37, alongside skipper Dhananjaya de Silva on 17, keeping Sri Lanka’s hopes alive of leveling or even surpassing Bangladesh’s total.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Lacks Bite on a Flat Pitch
Despite posting a strong total, Bangladesh’s bowling unit failed to extract significant assistance from the pitch. Each of Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nayeem Hasan, and part-timer Mominul Haque picked up one wicket each.
Speedster Nahid Rana bowled 16 testing overs, conceding 80 runs without any wickets, underlining the struggle for breakthroughs on a surface that is starting to show signs of wearing but still favors the batters.
Bangladesh’s First Innings: A Story of Resilience
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh opted to bat first after winning the toss and made full use of the conditions, finishing their first innings at a towering 495 all out in 153.4 overs.
The star of the innings was captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who played a captain’s knock of 148 runs from 279 balls, laced with 15 fours and a six. He was ably supported by the ever-reliable Mushfiqur Rahim, who crafted a patient 163 off 350 deliveries.
The pair turned the tide after Bangladesh suffered a shaky start, losing their first three wickets for just 45 runs. Litton Das added a useful 90 runs in the middle order, ensuring the innings had depth.
For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4/86, while both Milinda Ratnayake and Tharindu Ratnayake took three wickets each. However, the experienced Prabath Jayasuriya went wicketless despite bowling extended spells.
With just two days remaining, the Galle Test appears to be heading toward a draw, unless either side can force an outright collapse or an aggressive declaration leads to a twist in the tale.
For Sri Lanka, the immediate goal will be to wipe out the deficit and aim for a small first-innings lead. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will look to strike early on Day 4 and trigger a collapse that could give them a chance to push for a win.
This opening Test match of the WTC 2025–27 cycle has already produced individual brilliance, long partnerships, and tough sessions for bowlers. With Pathum Nissanka’s milestone innings as its highlight, the Galle Test promises at least two more days of high-quality Test cricket — even if the final result ends in a draw.
