Colombo Test: Ton-up Nissanka, Chandimal power SL (290/2) against Bangladesh
What's the story
Sri Lanka maintained their dominance over Bangladesh on Day 2 of the ongoing 2nd Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo. The Lankans bowled Bangladesh out for 247 in the first session. They outplayed the bowlers to finish on 290/2 at stumps. Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal added a 194-run stand after Lahiru Udara departed for 40. The former slammed an incredible ton.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh's innings wrapped up in first session
Bangladesh resumed on their overnight score of 220/8, with Taijul Islam and Ebadot Hossain in the middle. While Asitha Fernando quickly dismissed Ebadot Hossain, Islam took the visitors toward 250. The latter scored a 60-ball 33 before falling to debutant Sonal Dinusha. Notably, Dinusha and Asitha Fernando finished with three wickets each. Vishwa Fernando chipped in with two scalps.
Nissanka
Nissanka joins Chandimal en route to his ton
Nissanka and Udara got Sri Lanka off to a stellar start after the side bowled out Bangladesh for 247. They added 88 runs before Islam dismissed Udara. As mentioned, Nissanka joined Chandimal thereafter, with the duo taking the Lankans past 250. Nissanka and Chandimal continued with their exploits post-lunch. The former completed his ton in the third session, off 167 balls.
Stats
Ton in second successive match
Nissanka now has four tons in Test cricket. His tally also includes seven half-centuries. Notably, the Lankan opener slammed his second Test ton at home. During the series opener in Galle, Nissanka touched the 1,000-run mark in Test cricket. He attained the feat with his career-best score in the format. Nissanka slammed a 256-ball 187 (23 fours and 1 six) in the first innings.
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Nahid Rana's pace draws attention
Pacer Nahid Rana's express pace was the only positive for Bangladesh on Day 2. He consistently touched the 145kph-mark. Some of his searing bouncers perturbed both Chandimal and Nissanka. However, Rana returned wicketless.
Chandimal
Chandimal misses his ton
While Nissanka patiently reached this century, Chandimal used all his experience to fend off the Bangladesh bowlers. Chandimal dealt with Nahid Rana's searing bouncers toward the day's end, with the light fading out. He looked set for his ton. However, Nayeem Hasan dismissed Chandimal against the run of play. The Lankan batter scored 93 off 153 balls (10 fours and 1 six).
Stats
His 11th fifty-plus score against Bangladesh
As per ESPNcricinfo, Chandimal registered his 11th fifty-plus score against Bangladesh in Test cricket. Notably, five of those scores were converted into a ton. In 14 Tests against Bangladesh, the Lankan batter has racked up 1,159 runs at an average of 64.38. No other side has conceded more than 1,000 runs against Chandimal in the format. Chandimal owns 988 Test runs against Pakistan.
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Chandimal gets past 4,500 Test runs in Asia
During his knock, Chandimal attained another feat. He completed 4,500 Test runs in Asia. This star batter has played 59 matches in the subcontinent, in which he has scored 4,509 runs with an average of 49.01 (14 tons and 22 half-centuries).
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Prabath Jayasuriya, Nissanka return unbeaten
With a few overs left before stumps, SL sent in nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya to join Nissanka. The two batters returned unscathed as SL gained a 43-run lead. Jayasuriya safely played 13 balls.