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An unbeaten 120-run counter-attacking partnership between Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman helped Pakistan bounce back to end a thrilling second day of the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on Monday.
Pakistan were 221/5 at stumps and trailed Sri Lanka by 91 runs, with Saud Shakeel (69) and Agha Salman (61) unbeaten at the crease. Both half-centuries in an unbeaten 120-run partnership meant that Pakistan were currently only 91 runs short of Sri Lanka’s first innings score of 312 and could have gone awry if the day had not been cut short by monsoon rain . (Hasan Ali’s hilarious run leaves fans and commentators rolling in laughter in Sri Lanka vs Pak Test – watch)
In reply, Pakistan got off to a disastrous start when Imam-ul-Haq bore the brunt of a mistimed shot and was caught in the gully. Abdullah Shafiq fell to Prabhat Jayasuriya at 47 for two and soon the score read 67 for three when DRS confirmed that Mendis’ delivery would hit Shan Masood’s leg stump after the on-field umpire had earlier ruled in his favour. Had given. Shaan hit five fours and a six in his 30-ball 39 and looked in fine form.
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Pakistan suffered physical injuries twice in the space of 34 balls, when Babar Azam (13) was caught on the inside edge off Jayasuriya and Sarfaraz Ahmed (17) was adjudged lbw while trying to sweep Jayasuriya. Due to which Pakistan was reduced to 101 runs for five wickets in 20.2 overs. ,
At that point, Saud and Shakeel joined hands and not only repaired the damage but also managed to keep Pakistan alive in the Galle Test.
Earlier, Sri Lanka added 70 runs to their overnight score of 242 for six and were bowled out for 312 in 95.2 overs. Dhananjay de Silva, who started the day on 94, was dismissed for 122 – his third century against Pakistan – when he became one of the two victims of the day for fast bowler Naseem Shah, who finished with figures of 22-2-90. ended up with -3.
De Silva batted for just under five hours, during which he played 214 balls and hit 12 fours and three sixes. He was the ninth batsman to be dismissed before Vishwa Fernando (21 not out) put on 283 and Kasun Rajitha displayed his batting prowess by adding 29 runs from 49 balls for the last wicket.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 312 (Dhananjay de Silva 122, Angelo Mathews 64; Abrar Ahmed 3-68) v Pakistan 221/5 (Saud Shakeel 69*, Agha Salman 61*; Prabhat Jayasuriya 3-83).
