Sri Lanka End Day 2 with 43-Run Lead, Nissanka Unbeaten on 146

Sri Lanka asserted firm control on Day 2 of the Colombo Test, finishing the day at 290 for 2, taking a 43-run first-innings lead over Bangladesh’s 247. The highlight of the day was an unbeaten century from Pathum Nissanka, who continued his dominant form with a superb 146 not out, marking his second consecutive Test hundred against Bangladesh.

Nissanka's masterful innings came off 238 deliveries and included 18 boundaries, anchoring Sri Lanka’s innings from the top. He will resume Day 3 alongside nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya, who is not out on 5.

From the outset, Sri Lanka batted with intent. Openers Lahiru Udara and Nissanka set the tone with a brisk 88-run stand. Udara was the only early casualty, dismissed for 40 by Taijul Islam. What followed was a commanding 194-run partnership between Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal, who looked set for a century of his own before falling for 93.

Chandimal’s innings spanned 153 balls, laced with 10 fours and a six, but he fell agonizingly short of a hundred while attempting a reverse sweep. Nayeem Hasan broke the partnership, with wicketkeeper Liton Das completing the catch to give Bangladesh a much-needed breakthrough late in the day.

However, the damage had already been done. Bangladesh’s bowling lacked bite throughout the day, with Ebadot Hossain, Nahid Rana, and Nayeem Hasan struggling to apply consistent pressure. The Sri Lankan batters, especially Nissanka and Chandimal, capitalized, finding runs with ease.

With eight wickets in hand and a lead already in place, Sri Lanka are now in prime position to build a massive first-innings total and push Bangladesh on the back foot heading into Day 3.