Pakistan secures series sweep with commanding victory as Noman Ali shines with 7 wickets
Pakistan displayed their dominance over Sri Lanka with a resounding win in the second Test, completing a clean sweep of the series. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali was the star of the show, claiming seven wickets to dismantle the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Pakistan won the match by an innings and 222 runs, asserting their supremacy over the hosts.
Having already won the opening Test by four wickets, Pakistan declared their first innings at 576-5, boasting a massive lead of 410 runs. Opener Abdullah Shafique stood out with his maiden Test double century, and he was well-supported by Agha Salman, who remained unbeaten on 132. The Pakistani batsmen adopted an aggressive approach reminiscent of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes’ Bazball strategy, which paid off handsomely.
In response, Sri Lanka started strongly with an opening partnership of 69 runs. However, Noman Ali quickly changed the tide of the game by taking seven consecutive wickets. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne fought hard with 41 runs, but no other batsmen were able to withstand Pakistan’s relentless attack. Angelo Mathews put up some resistance with an unbeaten 63, but he lacked support from the other end.
Naseem Shah, Pakistan’s fast bowler, wrapped up the tail with three wickets, using his express pace and reverse swing to trouble the Sri Lankan batsmen. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 188, resulting in their heaviest Test defeat at home.
Reflecting on the series victory, Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. He credited the hunger and determination displayed by all the players, emphasizing their commitment to aggressive and positive cricket.
Abdullah Shafique was named the man of the match for his outstanding double century, while Agha Salman received the man of the series award for his consistent batting throughout the tournament.
Pakistan’s comprehensive victory highlights their dominance in the series against Sri Lanka. The team’s batsmen performed exceptionally well, while Noman Ali’s superb bowling sealed the deal. Pakistan’s triumph is not only a testament to their skill but also a reflection of their meticulous planning and execution.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, struggled to match Pakistan’s prowess in all departments of the game. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne rightly acknowledged that their first-innings total of 166 wasn’t enough to challenge the visitors. Sri Lanka will need to regroup and address their shortcomings before their next series.
Pakistan’s convincing series sweep over Sri Lanka undoubtedly consolidates their position as a formidable Test team. With several talented players and a strategic approach, they have showcased their potential to compete against any opposition. Pakistan’s success in this series serves as a statement of intent and augurs well for their future prospects in Test cricket.
