Sri Lanka’s top order showed complete dominance over the Bangladeshi bowling attack on Day 1 of the second Test in Colombo. After electing to field first, Bangladesh struggled to find early breakthroughs, as the pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers. Nissanka and Udara capitalized on the conditions, playing with composure and patience.
Lahiru Udara, although falling short of a well-deserved fifty, played a crucial role in setting up a solid foundation. His 88-run opening stand with Nissanka put Bangladesh on the back foot early. Once Taijul Islam dismissed him, Bangladesh hoped for a momentum shift. However, Pathum Nissanka continued unfazed, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike efficiently.
Nissanka’s 114-run innings was a mix of elegant strokeplay and smart cricketing decisions. He looked confident against both pace and spin, particularly handling Taijul and Mehidy Hasan with ease. His second consecutive century in the series has cemented his status as one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable batters in the longer format.
Dinesh Chandimal, bringing in his experience, provided excellent support. He was steady at the crease, rotating the strike well and dispatching bad balls to the boundary. His quick-paced fifty came in 70 balls, and he looked set for a big score as well.
Bangladesh’s bowlers looked largely ineffective, with only Taijul Islam making an impact. The pace unit lacked penetration, and spinners failed to trouble the settled batters. With Sri Lanka already crossing 200 with nine wickets in hand, they look poised to post a massive first-innings total unless Bangladesh can quickly turn things around in the next session.
The pressure is now mounting on the visitors, as they search for breakthroughs to avoid falling too far behind in this series-deciding Test.
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FAQ
1. Who were the standout performers for Sri Lanka on Day 1?
Pathum Nissanka was the highlight, scoring a brilliant 114, his second century in the series. Dinesh Chandimal also impressed with an unbeaten 60, helping Sri Lanka dominate the opening day.
2. How did Bangladesh perform with the ball?
Bangladesh struggled to make an impact. Only Taijul Islam managed a breakthrough by dismissing Lahiru Udara. The rest of the bowling unit lacked penetration and consistency.
3. What is the match situation at the end of Day 1?
Sri Lanka reached 214 for 1 at tea on Day 1, in complete control. With nine wickets in hand, they are well-placed to build a big first-innings total and put pressure on Bangladesh.