Colombo, June 28, 2025: A five-wicket haul from Prabath Jayasuriya and a commanding century by Pathum Nissanka propelled Sri Lanka to an emphatic innings and 78-run victory over Bangladesh on the fourth day of the second Test at the R. Premadasa Stadium, sealing the two-match series 1-0 in dominant fashion.
Resuming the final day needing just four wickets to complete the win, Sri Lanka made swift work of Bangladesh’s lower order. Left-arm spinner Jayasuriya led the attack with figures of 5 for 56, marking his 12th Test five-wicket haul and his best performance against Bangladesh.
Jayasuriya struck in the day’s opening over, removing Litton Das, who edged a defensive shot to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis — back in action after sitting out the previous day with a shoulder injury. Jayasuriya continued his assault by dismissing Nayeem Hasan with a sharp turner that led to a stumping, and completed his five-for with a return catch off Taijul Islam.
Tharindu Ratnayake then trapped Ebadot Hossain lbw to wrap up Bangladesh’s second innings for just 133 runs, securing a comprehensive Sri Lankan victory without the need to bat again.
Spin played a decisive role, with nine of the ten wickets in the second innings falling to spinners, as Dhananjaya de Silva and Ratnayake supported Jayasuriya with two wickets each.
However, it was Pathum Nissanka who laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s dominance. His measured 158 off 254 balls in the second Test added to his 187 in the series opener, earning him both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honors.
After Bangladesh posted 247 in their first innings, Sri Lanka responded with a mammoth 458, taking a 211-run lead. Bangladesh’s batters failed to recover in their second innings, collapsing under the pressure of Sri Lanka’s relentless spin.
The victory not only sealed the series but also provided a valuable boost to Sri Lanka’s standing in the ICC World Test Championship, reaffirming their home strength and the effectiveness of their spin arsenal.
