The two-game Test series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan got started to the most spectacular start possible for the hosts Sri Lanka. At the Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka scored 312 runs in the first innings after winning the toss and electing to bat first. This was thanks to a stunning century by Dhananjaya de Silva and a 64-run performance by Angelo Mathews.
Plans by the visitors to put up a similar effort with the bat and build a substantial advantage were swiftly foiled by a brilliant bowling performance by Sri Lanka. Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, the two openers, only managed to score 19 and one run, respectively, while Shan Masood added 39 runs and Babar Azam was out cheaply for 13 runs in 16 deliveries.
As the top order broke down, Pakistan looked to its middle order for impact, and Saud Shakeel ended up acting as their anchor.
Under extreme pressure, Shakeel entered the batting lane and blasted a brilliant century. On Day 3, Shakeel’s team had accumulated 119 runs in 164 deliveries by the time lunch was called, giving them a one-run advantage going into the following session.
When Pakistan most needed it, he knocked, giving them the opportunity to close the gap and even take the lead. Also on Day 3, it wasn’t just Shakeel who had impressive bat control. For the Babar Azam-led team, Agha Salman’s 83 runs in 113 deliveries was an outstanding performance.
The break from the longest format appeared to be a significant challenge for Pakistan because they last played a Test match in December 2022. But they immediately got back on course thanks to the tenacity of the middle order.
However, following a stellar showing with the bat in the first innings, Sri Lanka will want to keep Pakistan’s score as low as possible and set a challenging target for them in the second. Pakistan had a total of 313 runs, had lost six wickets, and led by one run at lunch on Day 3.
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