GALLE: Pakistan faced a challenging task in their pursuit of a 131-run target on the rain-affected fourth day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka, losing three quick wickets by stumps in Galle. Spinners Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed played key roles as they helped bowl Sri Lanka out for 279 earlier in the day.
At the close of play, Pakistan reached 48-3, with Imam-ul-Haq on 25 and skipper Babar Azam on six, requiring another 83 runs to secure victory in the two-match series.
Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya struck twice, dismissing Abdullah Shafique for eight and Shan Masood for seven. Nightwatchman Noman Ali was unfortunately run out without scoring.
Sri Lanka Batting
Dhananjaya de Silva, who scored a century in Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 312, top-scored with 82 before the Pakistani bowlers made crucial breakthroughs in the final session of the day. Spinners Noman and Abrar claimed three wickets each, while Agha Salman contributed with two wickets. Pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi also took two wickets to wrap up the Sri Lankan innings.
De Silva formed significant partnerships, including a crucial 76-run stand with Ramesh Mendis, who made 42. However, Shaheen’s rising delivery ended de Silva’s innings after Pakistan took the second new ball.
Earlier, Abrar struck with his leg spin to dismiss Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne for 20, halting their brisk start. Salman further dented Sri Lanka’s progress by removing Dinesh Chandimal for 28 and Sadeera Samarawickrama for 11.
Pakistan’s First Inning
Pakistan’s batsman Saud Shakeel remains the standout performer in the match so far, having scored an unbeaten maiden Test double century of 208 in the first innings. His remarkable knock propelled Pakistan to a total of 461 all out, providing a crucial lead of 149 runs.
Rain disrupted play on the first three days, but day four remained unaffected, although it began late due to a damp patch on the field. Pakistan now faces a challenging final day as they seek to secure victory in the opening Test against Sri Lanka.
