Pakistan Respond Strongly to Sri Lanka’s First-Innings Score of 312
In the first Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Pakistan showcased their impressive skills on day two as they dismissed Sri Lanka for 312 runs. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed were the standout performers, causing trouble for the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva, who smashed the first century of the series, was removed by Naseem Shah after scoring 122 runs. This crucial dismissal prevented Sri Lanka from building a big total against the strong Pakistani side. Naseem Shah also claimed another wicket in the early session of the day by sending Prabath Jayasuriya packing.
Spinner Abrar Ahmed also delivered an exceptional performance, dismissing Kusal Mendis and Kasun Rajitha. His bowling spells left the Sri Lankan players helpless.
After the break, Pakistan resumed their first innings but lost the key wicket of Imam-ul-Haq in the early overs. At the time of writing, Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafiq were present on the crease, trying to stabilize the innings.
On day one, Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi demonstrated why he was sorely missed in red-ball cricket over the past 12 months. He accounted for the top three Sri Lankan batters, but half-centuries by Dhananjaya de Silva and Angelo Mathews saved Sri Lanka from an embarrassing collapse on a rain-truncated day.
Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed opener Nishan Madushka with his eighth ball, becoming the fourth fastest Pakistani fast bowler to reach a century of wickets. He then quickly took the wickets of Kusal Mendis and Dimuth Karunaratne, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 53 for three. Naseem Shah further added to Sri Lanka’s woes by dismissing Dinesh Chandimal for just 1 run, caught brilliantly by Babar Azam at third slip.
Former captain Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva then formed a strong partnership of 131 runs for the fourth wicket. Mathews fell to Abrar Ahmed in the final over before tea. His innings of 64 runs included nine fours.
By the time play ended on day one, Sri Lanka had reached 242 for six, with Dhananjaya de Silva batting on an impressive unbeaten score of 94 runs. However, Sadeera Samarawickrama was the last batsman to be dismissed, caught by Imam-ul-Haq at short-leg off the bowling of Salman Ali Agha.
Although rain interrupted play, with only 65.4 overs possible in the first session and 18 overs in the post-tea session, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s excellent performance with the new ball showcased his talent and determination. He consistently bowled aggressively despite the lack of assistance from the pitch and his fellow bowlers.
Dhananjaya de Silva’s unbeaten knock of 94 runs came off 157 balls and included 10 fours and three sixes. He had a stroke of luck early in his innings when a mishit off Abrar Ahmed landed safely behind the first slip. Another mistimed shot later in his innings landed in no man’s land.
Overall, the day belonged to Pakistan as they responded strongly to Sri Lanka’s first-innings score of 312. With the match finely poised, the next few days are sure to be filled with thrilling cricket.
