After a strong start with the ball, Sri Lanka was anticipated to lead after the first innings, but the combination between Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman totally altered the game’s course. When Pakistan’s Shakeel and Salman partnership drew Pakistan back into the game, the visiting team was under tremendous pressure after losing five wickets in the middle and Prabath Jayasuriya looked sensational.
Notably, despite a shaky start, their 177-run combination in Galle provided Pakistan the impetus it desperately needed. On Day 2, both cricket players approached the game aggressively, but on Day 3, they adopted a more cautious stance. Ramesh Mendis offered the team a much-needed break in the meanwhile, just as Sri Lanka was about to lose all hope. When Salman was sent back to the pavilion, it was anticipated that the home team would make a comeback, but sadly things did not go as planned.
Shakeel persisted in the struggle as the 27-year-old batted an incredible double century on a pitch that was difficult for the batters to settle into. Furthermore, it was difficult for Shakeel to get going since wickets were dropping from one end. He persevered in the face of overwhelming odds and eventually assisted his team in scoring 461 runs to build a commanding lead of 149 runs. Pakistan will probably take this with a great deal of confidence as they aim to finish the job in the next two days.
On Day 3, Saud Shakeel’s
Mendis picked up a five-for to keep Sri Lanka in the match, demonstrating his excellent ball control. However, the home team’s approach towards the conclusion of the day was rather relaxed, which might cost them moving ahead. The Lankan Lions, meanwhile, made a good start with the bat. They scored 14 points without suffering any losses to end the day, and they intend to keep up their performance on Day 4.
Here’s how Twitter reacted –
The day belongs to @saudshak, who brought up a magnificent double 💯 👏
Pakistan have the advantage heading to Day Four with an impressive first-innings lead 🏏#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/PsKnzrizvG
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 18, 2023
Another exhilarating day of cricket in Galle with Pakistan wresting control, courtesy of Saud Shakeel’s stunning double century 💪 #WTC25 | #SLvPAK | 📝: https://t.co/qRhuecxfHM pic.twitter.com/ewhK1gwS28
— ICC (@ICC) July 18, 2023
.@saudshak tumbles records in Galle 👏
A dream start to his career as he has amassed 788 runs at an average of 98.5 🌟#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/De1S1AFpWT
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 18, 2023
From 101/5 ➡ 461
A tremendous fightback from Pakistan led by Saud Shakeel 🔥#WTC25 | #SLvPAK | 📝: https://t.co/qRhuecxfHM pic.twitter.com/DorVXNWF1K
— ICC (@ICC) July 18, 2023
Most hundreds in WTC history:
1) Root – 12 (45 Tests)
2) Labuschagne – 10 (36 Tests)
3) Smith – 9 (36 Tests)
4) Babar – 8 (25 Tests)
5) Rohit – 7 (24 Tests)Babar Azam is the only Pakistani in the Top 10.#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/5jjFSnOECk
— Mehmed khan (@Mehmedkhan45228) July 18, 2023
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