As the Test match enters its critical third day, Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper and captain Kusal Mendis reveals the team’s key strategy against Bangladesh team to bat as long as possible and build an unshakable lead.
According to ESPN, Sri Lanka are 43 runs ahead but two wickets short against Bangladesh in Colombo in the World Test Championship cycle. Mendis is yet to bat, but another 150-ish runs will help them dominate the match, says the captain.
[Revealed] Kusal Mendis Reveals Sri Lanka’s Bold Plan for Day 3
Mendis’ strategic day 3 plan in an ongoing Test match vs Bangladesh in Colombo (SSC), as part of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle has earned attention from cricket officials.
On day two the test saw Sri Lanka lead Bangladesh by 43 runs. Analyzing these results, the Sri Lankan captain outlined a clear and calculated approach for Day 3.
Sri Lanka in command — Lunch Day 3, leading strong by 154 runs!
#SriLankaCricket #SLvsBAN pic.twitter.com/kHremVCrCB
— Sri Lanka Cricket
(@OfficialSLC) June 27, 2025
Mendis, having kept wickets for 79.3 overs along with plenty of his cricket at the SSC, he has some idea of how the pitch is behaving.
Kusal Mendis said, “What we’re trying to do is to bat long enough now that we don’t have to bat in a fourth innings, and to give them a good target from here. Tomorrow we are trying to bat as long as possible and put 150-200 runs on the scoreboard.”
Further, he added. “We think it’s going to turn on days four and five, so we need to make the most of this batting opportunity. Even the grass that was quite green is dry now, so we expect it will get better for spinning. If we can get to those runs quickly, that will give us options.”
Additionally, Kusal also mentioned fellow Pathum Nissanka as the team’s batting backbone, whose – unbeaten 146 (off 238 balls) marks his fourth Test hundred, and comes right after a massive 187 in the previous match.
[Update] Kusal Mendis By the Numbers: Key Stats Every Fan Should Know
Balapuwaduge Kusal Gimhan Mendis better recognized as Kusal Mendis is a wicket keeper and batsman who plays in all forms of the match. Began playing cricket since his school days, Mendis was awarded the schoolboy cricketer of the year in 2013.
After playing only 16 first-class games, he received a call from the Sri Lanka national cricket team in 2015. On 22nd October, he made his test debut against the West Indies.
Kusal Mendis’ Stats:
| Event | Test | ODI | T20I | FC |
| Games | 72 | 143 | 78 | 110 |
| Runs scored | 4,673 | 4,429 | 1,920 | 7,406 |
| Batting average | 36.50 | 34.60 | 25.60 | 40.03 |
| 100s/50s | 10/21 | 5/33 | 0/15 | 19/30 |
| Top score | 245 | 143 | 86 | 245 |
| Balls bowled | 132 | 20 | 272 | |
| Wickets | 1 | 2 | ||
| Bowling average | 118.00 | 121.00 | ||
| Best bowling | 1/10 | 1/10 | ||
| Catches | 106/2 | 95/12 | 32/5 | 150/11 |
Writer’s POV:
I am so surprised with Kusal Mendis unexpectedly revealing Sri Lanka’s game plan for the upcoming match. I really wonder, is he giving the rivals a heads-up?
In my personal opinion, strategic moves like these are best kept behind closed doors and sharing such plans publicly might offer the opposition an unnecessary advantage.
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