Sri Lanka tightened their grip on the second Test against Bangladesh, ending Day 2 with a solid 43-run lead and eight wickets in hand, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten century from Pathum Nissanka and a gritty 93 from Dinesh Chandimal.
At stumps, Sri Lanka were 290 for 2 in 78 overs, responding strongly to Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 247. Nissanka anchored the innings with a commanding 146* off 238 balls, showcasing impeccable patience and shot selection.
His partnership with Chandimal, worth 194 runs for the second wicket, completely shifted the momentum in favour of the hosts.
Earlier, Bangladesh struggled to capitalize on a decent start in their first innings. Shadman Islam top-scored with 46, while Mushfiqur Rahim added 35, but the visitors were unable to post a substantial total.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Dinusha Fernando claiming 3 for 22 and Asitha Fernando also picking up 3 for 51 to restrict Bangladesh to 247 in 79.3 overs.
When Sri Lanka came in to bat, opener Dimuth Karunaratne fell early, but Nissanka and Chandimal steadied the innings. While Chandimal missed out on a century by just seven runs, his contribution was vital in laying a strong platform for the Sri Lankan innings.
Bangladesh’s bowling lacked the sharpness seen on Day 1. Taijul Islam was the most used bowler, finishing with 1 for 90 in 32 overs.
Mominul Haque rolled his arm over for a solitary over without success. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan picked up the only other wicket, returning with figures of 1 for 45.
At the close of Day 2, Prabath Jayasuriya was unbeaten on 5* alongside Nissanka, and Sri Lanka looked poised to extend their lead further on Day 3.
With a healthy batting lineup still to come and the pitch offering fewer challenges to batters, the hosts are in a commanding position to take control of the match and potentially the series.