Day 2 of the second Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Colombo turned out to be a dominant one for the hosts, headlined by a masterclass from opener Pathum Nissanka. With early stumps called due to poor light, Sri Lanka walked back comfortably placed at 290/2 in response to Bangladesh’s 247 — already ahead by 43 runs and with a strong grip on the contest.
Solid start sets the tone for Sri Lanka on Day 2
The day began with Sri Lanka quickly wrapping up Bangladesh’s innings, allowing just 27 more runs to the overnight score. With the momentum on their side, openers Nissanka and Lahiru Udara laid a strong foundation. The pair added 83 runs before lunch and looked mostly untroubled against the Bangladeshi attack.
Taijul Islam eventually provided the breakthrough by dismissing Udara for 42, but by then, the damage was already done. Bangladesh missed a golden chance to tighten the noose when Dinesh Chandimal arrived and looked shaky early on, yet they failed to capitalize.
Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal pile on the pressure
What followed was a batting exhibition as Nissanka and Chandimal forged a massive 194-run stand for the second wicket. Nissanka, calm and composed, punished anything loose while Chandimal rotated the strike cleverly and kept the pressure on the bowlers.
Bangladesh tried various tactics — short-pitched stuff from Hasan Mahmud, defensive lines from Taijul and Mehidy Hasan Miraz — but none bore fruit until Chandimal, in sight of a century, threw away his wicket with an ill-advised reverse sweep, falling for 93.
Even as Chandimal departed late in the day, Nissanka remained unmoved. The right-hander brought up his second century of the series and finished unbeaten on 146, guiding Sri Lanka to a position of dominance before bad light forced an early end to proceedings. With a 43-run cushion and eight wickets still in hand, Sri Lanka will aim to build a massive first-innings lead on Day 3. If they continue at the same tempo, they’ll fancy their chances of forcing a result, especially after the first Test ended in a draw.
Also READ: Fans react as Pathum Nissanka lights up Colombo with a spectacular century on Day 2 of the second Test – SL vs BAN
Here’s how fans reacted:
Sri Lanka ahead by 43 — standing strong and steady at Day 2 stumps! #SriLankaCricket #SLvsBAN pic.twitter.com/2UNFdd3g0t
— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) June 26, 2025
5⃣5⃣0⃣0⃣ International Runs for Pathum Nissanka #SLvBAN
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) June 26, 2025
Pathum Nissanka powers Sri Lanka to a commanding position on Day 2 in Colombo #SLvBAN : https://t.co/FHsRZhIYpq pic.twitter.com/Un0PZKZKuV
— ICC (@ICC) June 26, 2025
Day 2, Stumps
– Brilliant batting performance by Sri Lanka batters
Pathum Nissanka is on the crease at 146*#Cricket #SLvsBAN #SriLankaCricket pic.twitter.com/FydHHVfPrW
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 26, 2025
nahid rana, woah! #SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/fnwQruq1vP
— Long Live Test Cricket (@LongLiveTest) June 26, 2025
Spectacular batting performance that by Nissanka & Chandimal . Showed Bangladesh how batting should be done #SLVBAN
— Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan) June 26, 2025
Sri Lanka in a commanding position after day 2 of 2nd test, thanks to Nissanka’s brilliant 146* and Chandimal’s 93. The latter would be gutted for missing a deserving century.
With a lead of 43 runs and 8 wickets in the kitty, Sri Lanka should boss the game tomorrow #SLvsBAN— Ambika (@apmahapatra) June 26, 2025
Great day for SL.
Pathum Nissanka made his second century of the series and on his way for a big one. Unfortunate for Chandimal to out for 93. Brilliant partnership tho.
massive total coming up.
— Poornama (@iam_poor9) June 26, 2025
Sri Lanka in a super commanding position here taking the lead with the loss of just one wicket!
Nissanka and Chandimal
— Harinder Sekhon (@harinsekhonn) June 26, 2025
Unlucky Dinesh Chandimal#slvsban #Cricket #FastBowling #dineshchandimal #Slvban #Bangldeshcricket pic.twitter.com/yuAaG9h6s4
— Rokibul Hassan Mujahid (@rokibul_17) June 26, 2025
Oh I see Pathum Nissanka scored back to back Test hundreds. Good progressive run of his career so far and I hope it goes even better in years to come. He is destined to become next batting great and legend of Sri lanka cricket. https://t.co/h6bkmnHUeD
— Martial (@coverpoint_) June 26, 2025
Everyone is talking about Jaiswal, Brook or Ravindra but what about this young guy from Sri Lanka who is next big superstar for world cricket and cricket Sri Lanka.
Mark my words https://t.co/igbwjtYZp9— ABD (@FAheemAli_14) June 26, 2025
Also READ: SL vs BAN 2025, Test Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UK and South Africa
