COLOMBO Pak vs Sri Lanka: Pakistan’s left-arm spinner, Noman Ali, delivered a crucial breakthrough just before Lunch on Day 4 as Pakistan declared their first innings with an imposing 410-run lead over Sri Lanka.
As the penultimate day of the ongoing second Test reached the Lunch break, Sri Lanka stood at 81/1, still trailing by 319 runs.
Pakistan’s overnight batsmen, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan resumed the innings at 563/5 on the fourth day.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Rizwan accelerated his scoring rate and completed a well-deserved half-century, prompting Babar Azam to declare the innings at 576/5, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target.
Rizwan’s splendid knock saw him score 50 not out off just 67 deliveries, including four boundaries and a six.
Salman Ali Agha, the centurion for Pakistan, remained unbeaten with a magnificent 132 runs off 154 balls, featuring 15 boundaries and a six.
Pak vs Sri Lanka Showdown: Abdullah Shafique’s Magnificent Double Century Leads the Way
In the Pak vs Sri Lanka encounter, Abdullah Shafique, who registered his maiden double century, emerged as the highest scorer for Pakistan with an impressive 201. His resilient innings consumed 326 deliveries and included 19 boundaries and four sixes.
Other contributions came from left-handed batters Shan Masood (51) and Saud Shakeel (57), who both scored crucial half-centuries.
Pak vs Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Begins Second Innings Strong, Masood, and Shakeel Shine
Sri Lanka, facing a daunting task to avoid a defeat and prevent a clean sweep in the two-match series, led by Pakistan 1-0, started their second innings on a solid note.
The home side’s openers, Nishan Madushka, and Dimuth Karunaratne, displayed sensible batting and built a 69-run partnership before Noman Ali dismissed Madushka, providing a much-needed breakthrough for Pakistan.
Madushka fought bravely and scored 33 runs off 72 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
Kusal Mendis joined skipper Karunaratne in the middle, and they added 12 runs to their partnership before the lunch break was called.
At the break, Karunaratne was unbeaten on 36, while Mendis was 11 not out.
Also Read: Pakistan vs India World Cup 2023 updates
__________________________
Follow our Google News channel online or through the app for all the latest news.
