Sri Lanka surged ahead in the second Test against Bangladesh, finishing their first innings on 458 to take a big 211-run lead at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on Day 3.

Pathum Nissanka was the standout performer, scoring 158 off 254 balls.

The right-hander anchored Sri Lanka’s innings from the top, striking 19 boundaries and frustrating the Bangladesh bowlers on a pitch that gradually offered more for the spinners.

Before this hundred, Nissanka scored 187 in the first Test in Galle which ended in a draw. 

Nissanka was well-supported by Dinesh Chandimal, who added 93 in a 194-run second-wicket stand, and later by Kusal Mendis, who scored a brisk 84 off just 87 deliveries to stretch Sri Lanka’s advantage.

Despite losing a few wickets in clumps during the afternoon, the hosts maintained control of the match.

For Bangladesh, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam led the bowling effort with a five-wicket haul (5 for 131), showing great discipline and patience across 42.5 overs.

Colombo Test: Nissanka leads with 158 as Sri Lanka reaches 401-6 at lunch on Day 3

Nayeem Hasan chipped in with three wickets, but lacked consistency, while the pace attack looked largely ineffective as Ebadot Hossain and Nahid Rana both went wicketless across their extended spells.

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first but failed to capitalize.

Shadman Islam top-scored with 46, and there were useful contributions from Mehidy Hasan Miraz (31), Taijul Islam (33), and Litton Das (34), but none of the batters could convert starts into a defining innings.

Bangladesh were eventually dismissed for 247 inside 80 overs, with Asitha Fernando (3 for 51) and Sonal Dinusha (3 for 22) doing the bulk of the damage.