COLOMBO: In a thrilling display of bowling prowess, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and fast bowler Naseem Shah combined forces to dismantle the Sri Lankan batting line-up, allowing Pakistan to dismiss the hosts for a modest total of 166 runs on the opening day of the second Test match in Colombo.
After overnight and early morning rain delayed the start by 30 minutes, Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first seemed to backfire as they found themselves reeling at 36-4, with Pakistan’s opening attack creating havoc. However, Dhananjaya de Silva, who had previously scored centuries in the first Test, showed resilience and took charge to steady the ship.
De Silva’s fiery innings of 57 runs, comprising nine fours and a six, along with a vital partnership of 85 runs with Dinesh Chandimal (34), offered a glimmer of hope for the Sri Lankan side. But their resurgence was cut short by Naseem Shah, who broke the partnership with a crucial wicket of Chandimal, caught by Imamul Haq.
Pakistan’s Bowling Attack
The turning point of the innings came when Abrar Ahmed, exhibiting his leg-spinning brilliance, struck twice in quick succession, removing De Silva and another important wicket, tilting the balance back in Pakistan’s favor. Abrar’s excellent figures of 4-69 highlighted his instrumental role in restricting Sri Lanka’s score.
Earlier contributions from number eight Ramesh Mendis (27) proved useful for Sri Lanka, but they struggled to capitalize on their starts against the disciplined Pakistani bowling attack.
Opener Nishan Madushka’s misfortune, getting run out without adding to his score after a mix-up with skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, added to Sri Lanka’s woes. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah combined to dismiss Kusal Mendis and the experienced Angelo Mathews, putting the home side on the back foot.
With the Sri Lankan innings wrapped up, Pakistan’s bowlers exhibited their dominance, providing their team an excellent opportunity to extend their series lead, having previously won the rain-affected first Test in Galle by four wickets.
Pakistan Squad: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (captain), Shaud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Agha Salman, Noman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
Umpires: Alex Wharf (ENG), Chris Gaffaney (NZL) TV umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS) Match referee: David Boon (AUS)
