GALLE: In a captivating display of skill and resilience, Sri Lanka found themselves back on the crease on the fourth day of the first Test against Pakistan.
This followed Saud Shakeel’s exceptional performance the previous day, where his masterful double century turned the tables on the hosts.
As the opening pair, Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka took their positions, Sri Lanka found themselves trailing by 111 runs in just 10 overs. This came after Pakistan had established a substantial first-innings lead of 149 runs.
During an action-packed third day, Saud Shakeel etched his name into the annals of Pakistani cricket history as he became the first batsman from his nation to score a double century in Sri Lanka. It was a commanding innings that enabled the visitors to gain control of the first test, amassing a total of 461 runs on Tuesday.
At the end of day three, Sri Lanka managed to whittle down the deficit, reducing it to 135 runs as they stood at 14 for no loss by stumps. Meanwhile, Shakeel remained unbeaten on an impressive 208, securing his second century in just two tests, before Pakistan’s innings came to a close after tea.
Responding to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 312, Pakistan had faltered early on, finding themselves at a precarious 101-5 on Monday. However, Shakeel displayed immense fortitude, combining forces with Agha Salman in a remarkable 177-run partnership that resurrected Pakistan’s hopes. Salman contributed a vital 83 runs to the cause.
Earlier in the day, as Pakistan resumed at 221-5, Salman’s efforts were cut short when he rashly charged down the track against Ramesh Mendis (5-136), only to miss the ball and be stumped.
By the time lunch arrived, Pakistan had surpassed Sri Lanka’s score, and the lead continued to grow. Shakeel forged strong partnerships, amassing 50-plus runs alongside Noman Ali (25) and Naseem Shah, who valiantly faced 78 deliveries for his mere nine runs but managed to frustrate the host team.
The left-arm spinner, Prabath Jayasuriya, recorded figures of 3-145, making a notable contribution to Sri Lanka’s efforts.
In conclusion, the first Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan witnessed a gripping battle, characterized by Saud Shakeel’s masterclass performance with the bat. Sri Lanka finds themselves in pursuit, determined to narrow the gap and turn the tide in their favour. As the match resumes, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the next thrilling chapter of this captivating encounter.
