Prabath Jayasuriya Goes Wicketless at Galle for First Time in 20 Innings During SL vs BAN Test

In a rare and surprising moment during the ongoing SL vs BAN 1st Test at Galle, Sri Lanka’s spin ace Prabath Jayasuriya failed to pick up a single wicket—marking the first time in his career he has gone wicketless at this venue in red-ball cricket.

Bangladesh End Jayasuriya’s Wicket Streak at Galle

Over the past two years, Galle has been Jayasuriya’s fortress. Since his Test debut in 2022, the left-arm spinner has turned the coastal ground into a personal playground, having picked up a staggering 80 wickets in just 19 innings before this Test. With nine five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls at the venue, he has been a nightmare for visiting teams.

However, on Day 2 of the first Test against Bangladesh, Jayasuriya’s magic ran dry. Bowling 48 overs and conceding 154 runs with just two maidens, he ended the innings without a single breakthrough—a career-first at Galle.

Tigers Roar in Galle

Credit must be given to Bangladesh’s batters, who batted with authority and patience. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto crafted a brilliant 148, while veteran Mushfiqur Rahim added a towering 163, anchoring the innings to a commanding 495. Jayasuriya’s usual zip, drift, and bite on the Galle track were noticeably absent, and Bangladesh capitalized on every loose delivery.

This performance signals a shift in the dominance usually enjoyed by Sri Lankan bowlers at Galle, with Bangladesh dictating terms from the start.

Jayasuriya’s Galle Record Still Stands Tall

Despite the anomaly, Jayasuriya’s numbers at Galle still remain among the most enviable in world cricket. With best figures of 7/52 in an innings and 12/177 in a match at the venue, the left-arm spinner has already etched his name into the history books. While the streak of 19 successive wicket-taking innings at Galle has ended, the 32-year-old will look to make amends in the second innings.

SL vs BAN: Match Situation

At stumps on Day 2, Sri Lanka were 91/1, trailing by 404 runs. Pathum Nissanka (37*) and Dinesh Chandimal (19*) are at the crease, rebuilding after the early dismissal of Lahiru Udara. With three full days of play remaining, Sri Lanka have a mountain to climb.

Jayasuriya may have gone wicketless this time, but with another innings to go, it would be unwise to count him out just yet. One thing is certain—Day 3 at Galle promises plenty of action.