Nissanka leads SL's strong start in response to Bangladesh's 495

Sri Lanka made a strong reply, reaching 100-1 at lunch after wrapping up Bangladesh's first innings for 495 on Day 3 of the first cricket Test at Galle International Cricket Stadium.

Opener Pathum Nissanka led the charge with 46 not out as Sri Lanka are trailing by 395 runs. Veteran Dinesh Chandimal was on 22, along with him, at the first interval of the day.

Lahiru Udara was the only batter to be out when Taijul Islam removed him for 29 with a return catch.

Udara, who made his debut with this match, was solid in his approach right from the beginning as he came down heavily on Bangladesh bowlers in what still looked like a pretty flat deck.

He was particularly harsh on Nahid Rana, whose pace made little impact on this pitch. Another pacer, Hasan Mahmud, though he bowled in a good channel, but failed to give the side any breakthrough.

Taijul's introduction curbed the Sri Lanka batters' aggression to some extent as he varied his pace well to give the batters some discomfort.

His relentless attack gave Bangladesh success when Udara who hit six fours in his 34-ball-knock was undone by a tossed-up delivery. 

Bangladesh resumed on 484-9 and were able to add just 11 runs before being all out for 495. Pacer Asitha Fernando claimed the wicket of Nahid Rana in the third over of the day to bring an end to Bangladesh's innings.

Fernando finished with 4-86, the highest for Sri Lanka in this innings, while his new ball partner, Milan Rathnayake, who tormented Bangladesh with reverse swing in the later afternoon session on Day 2, returned figures of 3-39.

Debutant Tharindu Rathnayake also ended with 3-196.

Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 163, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto made 148. Liton Das added 90.