Sri Lankan offspinner Tharindu Ratnayake made an impressive start to his Test career, picking up two crucial wickets on debut as Bangladesh struggled to 90 for 3 by lunch on day one of the opening Test in Galle on Tuesday.

Bangladesh, who won the toss and chose to bat in the first match of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, found themselves on the back foot early.

The 29-year-old Ratnayake, rewarded with a Test cap following consistent performances in domestic cricket, made a notable impact in his first session.

It was fast bowler Asitha Fernando who gave Sri Lanka an early breakthrough, dismissing Anamul Haque for a duck with a catch behind the wicket. Fernando, coming off a strong county stint with Glamorgan, used his rhythm and bounce to good effect.

Ratnayake, known for his ambidextrous bowling ability, then took center stage. In just his fourth over, he removed Shadman Islam, who edged a turning delivery to slip where Dhananjaya de Silva took the catch. The spinner struck again soon after, dismissing Mominul Haque with a delivery that bounced unexpectedly — once again De Silva was sharp in the cordon, completing a fine catch.

Facing early trouble at 45 for 3, Bangladesh found some stability through a 45-run partnership between skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim. However, with much work left, the visitors still face an uphill battle.

Mushfiqur was unbeaten on 20 at the break, aiming to end a 13-innings stretch without a fifty. Shanto, steady at the other end, was on 25 with three fours and a six.

Sri Lanka also gave a debut to domestic stalwart Lahiru Udara, while the match marks the 119th and final Test appearance for the legendary Angelo Mathews.

This Test kicks off the 2025-2027 WTC cycle, beginning just days after South Africa claimed the championship title for the first time by defeating Australia at Lord’s.