Sri Lanka spinners, spearheaded by Prabath Jayasuriya, reduced Bangladesh to 115 for 6 at stumps on Day Three of the second Test at SSC, Colombo, leaving them just 96 runs shy of avoiding an innings defeat. A commanding first-innings lead powered Sri Lanka towards a likely series-clinching victory.
Kusal Mendis’ measured 84 anchored Sri Lanka's total of 458, building a lead of 211 after four wickets fell — as Bangladesh’s batsmen capitulated under spin assault, their resistance quickly eroding.
Morning Session – Steady Progress
Bangladesh had early respite when Pathum Nissanka, who had earlier dominated with a stellar 158, was caught at short cover off Taijul Islam. Taijul struck again to trap Dhananjaya de Silva.
When I go out to bat, I want to play positive. That’s the approach every player in our team takes. Batting with Kusal, what we wanted was to bat positively and get a decent lead, and I hope we were able to do that.
The duo added 49 runs, helping suppress any early revival hopes.
Lower-Order Drama & Leadership Insight
Nayeem Hasan broke the partnership, trapping Kamindu with a straight one, but the runs kept flowing. Debutant all-rounder Tharindu Ratnayake impressed with a six but eventually fell trying for more. Kusal fell victim to a sharp mid-off throw from Ebadot Hossain, run out for 84. Taijul wrapped Sri Lanka's innings by claiming his fifth wicket.
Discussing the pitch and the team's consistency, Kamindu observed: “I think the pitch had an impact. We are in a good position and that’s thanks to the first-innings lead that we were able to take.”
He also reflected on past setbacks and consistent ambition: “It’s not something that we have done all of a sudden. We have done well in Test cricket in the recent two or three years. We play to win. It’s a big process that goes for three years or so. Win and defeats are common to every team but we try to make the most out of situations.”
Bangladesh Collapse Under Spin
Despite a brief recovery by Anamul Haque before tea, wickets tumbled rapidly post-break. Jayasuriya removed Haque and later Mushfiqur Rahim, while Dhananjaya bowled Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was trapped in front by Tharindu Ratnayake.
Team Goals & Personal Growth
Kamindu touched on the developmental nature of the IPL and recent seasons: “In the last three to four years I have worked really hard. IPL was a good experience. I try to learn from every experience I get. Not just IPL, even this series I was able to learn a lot.”
He also praised Pathum's sublime form: “It’s an absolute treat to watch when Pathum is on song. We have batted together from small days. We all know what Pathum is capable of…He is one of my favourite batters in the game.”
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 247 & 115/6 in 38.4 overs (Mushfiqur Rahim 26; Jayasuriya 2‑47, Dhananjaya de Silva 2‑13) Sri Lanka 458 all out in 116.5 overs (Pathum Nissanka 158, Kusal Mendis 84; Taijul Islam 5‑131, Nayeem Hasan 3‑85) Bangladesh trail by 96 runs with just four wickets remaining on Day Three.
