Colombo, June 27 (V7N) — Sri Lanka were bowled out for 458 runs in their first innings of the Colombo Test, securing a commanding 211-run lead over Bangladesh, who had managed 247 runs in their first innings.

Bangladesh’s spinner Taijul Islam starred with the ball, picking up 5 wickets for 131 runs. This marked his 17th five-wicket haul in his 56-Test career.

Resuming on 290 for 2 at the start of the third day, with a 43-run lead, Sri Lanka looked well set thanks to opener Pathum Nissanka, who ended the second day unbeaten on 146. Nissanka reached his 150 early on day three, but his innings was brought to an end by Taijul, halting his progress at a crucial moment.

Following Nissanka’s dismissal, Dhananjaya de Silva (7) and Prabath Jayasuriya (10) failed to make significant contributions. However, middle-order batters Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis provided resistance.

Kusal Mendis played a brisk innings, scoring 84 runs off 87 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes, but was run out while attempting a second run to deep cover. Liton Das effected the dismissal with a sharp throw from Ebadot Hossain.

After Kusal’s departure, Asitha Fernando fell in the same over, caught by Shadman Islam at mid-on while attempting a boundary. The wicket allowed Taijul to complete his five-wicket haul.

Sri Lanka’s strong first-innings total has put Bangladesh under pressure as the match progresses.

END/RH/AJ