Pathum Nissanka's ton helps Sri Lanka fight back against Bangladesh in first Test

Dubai: Sri Lanka were in cruise mode as they posted 233 for two at tea on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Galle on Thursday.

Earlier Bangladesh made a first-innings total of 495.

Opener Pathum Nissanka was the man in focus as he put on a fine display of stroke play to score an unbeaten 126 off 179 deliveries that included 16 boundaries and a six.

There was a moment of drama when, on 36, he offered a chance but Mominul Haque dropped a sharp attempted catch at short leg off Nayeem Hasan’s first over.

He was joined in the middle by Angelo Mathews who was unbeaten on 21.

Earlier in the morning session, it took Sri Lanka just 16 deliveries to finish off the Bangladesh innings. From a position of strength at 458 for four late on Day 2, the tourists unraveled and eventually lost their last six wickets for 37 runs.

Asitha Fernando, bustling in with purpose and precision, was the spearhead of the Sri Lanka revival, claiming four wickets with admirable rhythm. He was ably supported by Milan Rathnayake, whose pace and clever variations earned him three wickets.

On debut, Tharindu Rathnayake, bowling with composure that belied his inexperience, chipped in with three crucial wickets.

For the better part of two days, it was almost one-way with Mushfiqur Rahim playing with poise in compiling a masterful 163 — an innings built on judgment, timing and grit. His 264-run partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who posted 148, was the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s early dominance.

- Inputs from AP