GALLE: Saud Shakeel played a remarkable unbeaten innings of 208 as Pakistan reached a total of 461 all out, taking a lead of 149 runs against Sri Lanka in the rain-affected opening Test in Galle on Tuesday.
After Sri Lanka had scored 312 in their first innings, the hosts bowled out the Pakistani team in the final session of the third day. A frustrating ninth-wicket partnership of 94 between Saud Shakeel and Naseem Shah, who scored six off 78 balls, tested Sri Lanka’s patience before they managed to dismiss the tourists.
Just before lunch, Pakistan surpassed Sri Lanka’s first-innings total, thanks to a fine display of batting. Off-spinner Ramesh Mendis was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, taking five wickets.
Saud Shakeel’s Historic Double Century
Saud Shakeel made history by becoming the first Pakistani player to score a double century in Tests against Sri Lanka. His incredible innings began when Pakistan was struggling at 101/5 on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test. Shakeel’s composed performance not only revived his team but also etched his name in the record books.
Reaching his double century off 350 deliveries, including 18 boundaries, Shakeel surpassed Mohammad Hafeez’s record of 196 in Colombo, becoming the Pakistani batsman with the highest Test score in Sri Lanka.
During his exceptional innings, Shakeel formed a vital 177-run partnership with Salman Ali Agha, who fell just 17 runs short of his second Test century. Agha’s innings of 83 off 113 balls, comprising nine boundaries and a six, further contributed to Pakistan’s recovery.
Saud Shakeel played a key role in several crucial partnerships, including those with Noman Ali and Naseem Shah. His courageous knock propelled Pakistan into a commanding position in the Galle Test, after a challenging start.
Earlier in the match, Shakeel reached his second Test century with a boundary and three runs, establishing a strong partnership with Agha Salman. This partnership rescued Pakistan from a precarious position at 101-5 on day two, countering the Sri Lankan spinners led by left-armer Prabath Jayasuriya, who had claimed three top-order wickets, including skipper Babar Azam.
