COLOMBO: Opener Abdullah Shafique’s outstanding maiden double century and an unbeaten 132 by Agha Salman propelled Pakistan into a commanding position on day three of the second Test against Sri Lanka. The tourists displayed formidable batting prowess, reaching an impressive 563-5 at stumps, establishing a formidable 397-run lead over Sri Lanka in their first innings at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club.
Pakistan close out Day 3️⃣ with a significant lead 🏏@imabd28's double ton and @SalmanAliAgha1's outstanding 💯 being the highlights of a splendid display ✨#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/KXRHEk4lmH
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 26, 2023
After Shafique’s departure on a masterful 201, Agha Salman and concussion substitute Mohammad Rizwan formed an unyielding partnership, batting impressively to strengthen Pakistan’s dominant position in the match.
2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣ runs
3️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ balls
1️⃣9️⃣ fours
4️⃣ sixesKeep shining on @imabd28 🌟#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/FIldDwkMdd
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 26, 2023
Pakistan’s New Aggressive Style in Test Cricket
Salman’s attacking approach showcased Pakistan’s new aggressive style in this series, as he notched his second Test century with a boundary. His resolute performance, along with Shafique’s brilliant display, laid the foundation for Pakistan’s mammoth reply to Sri Lanka’s 166 in the first innings.
Shafique’s stellar performance was marked by three-century partnerships, including a notable 124-run stand with Agha Salman. His journey to the double century began cautiously as he started the day on 87, but he quickly accelerated his scoring, reaching the landmark in the final session with a single off Asitha Fernando. The opener celebrated the milestone by pointing to his name on the back of his jersey after taking off his helmet.
2️⃣nd Test 💯 for @SalmanAliAgha1 🙌
An exceptional knock from the right-handed batter ✨#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/UNTmzngBC6
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 26, 2023
However, Shafique’s memorable innings was brought to an end when he was caught out at deep mid-off by left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Jayasuriya also claimed the wicket of skipper Babar Azam for 39 earlier in the day, extending his dominance over Azam to six dismissals in Test cricket.
The afternoon session saw Fernando claiming three wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Saud Shakeel on 57. Fernando’s precise bowling and the timely breakthroughs helped Sri Lanka momentarily stem Pakistan’s formidable charge.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed faced an unfortunate blow to his helmet on the first ball from Fernando, resulting in him retiring hurt after making 14 runs. He was later substituted by Mohammad Rizwan, who partnered with Agha Salman in an unbeaten stand of 95.
Abdullah Shafique’s exceptional performance also saw him surpass his previous Test best of 160 not out. Pakistan resumed on 178-2 after a rain-affected day on Tuesday, and Shafique continued his sublime form, guiding Pakistan to an imposing lead.
With Pakistan’s dominant display of batting prowess, they are well-positioned to secure victory in the second Test, having already clinched the first Test of the two-match series by four wickets.
