GALLE: In a rain-affected opening Test match, an unbeaten century partnership between Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman proved to be the saving grace for Pakistan after a shaky start, as they reached 221-5 in response to Sri Lanka’s 312 in Galle on the second day.
Facing Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who took three wickets including the dismissal of skipper Babar Azam, Pakistan found themselves in trouble at 101-5. However, Shakeel and Salman’s resilient stand of 120 runs not only steadied the innings but also frustrated the Sri Lankan spinners.
The left-handed Shakeel and right-handed Salman displayed a blend of caution and aggression, hitting a total of 12 boundaries and a six. They employed footwork to counter the spinners effectively, scoring at an impressive run rate of nearly five runs per over.
Shaky Start for Pakistan Against Sri Lanka
Pakistan’s reply initially faltered when pace bowler Kasun Rajitha dismissed Imam-ul-Haq for just one run, followed by Jayasuriya claiming the wicket of Abdullah Shafique for 19. However, Shan Masood fought back with a quickfire 39 off 30 balls before being dismissed lbw by Ramesh Mendis, who had his decision overturned upon review.
Unfortunately, skipper Babar Azam fell when an inside edge landed onto his pads, resulting in a catch at short leg taken by wicketkeeper Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva showcased his batting prowess by converting his overnight 94 into a well-deserved century, his 10th in Test cricket, to guide Sri Lanka from a precarious position of 54-4 on the first day. De Silva’s knock of 122, including 12 fours and three sixes, provided vital runs and bolstered Sri Lanka’s overall total.
The bowling efforts of Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, fellow fast bowler Naseem Shah, and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed were commendable as each claimed three wickets, eventually bowling out Sri Lanka. Play resumed early on the second day with revised timings for each session.
