The second Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is currently underway at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. Earlier, the hosts won the toss and elected to bat first. However, they could not capitalise on the opportunity as they were dismissed for 166 by the Pakistani bowling attack.
Only Dhananjaya de Silva could reach a fifty-plus score as he added 57 off 68, including nine fours and a six, saving Sri Lanka from embarrassment in the process. Abrar Ahmed remained the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan with figures of 4/69 while Naseem Shah followed closely with 3/41. Shaheen Afridi had a relatively quiet outing with just one scalp from the first innings.
In reply, Pakistan have batted extremely well with opener Abdullah Shafique being the star of the innings so far. He is still batting at 139* off 219 balls, including 13 fours and three sixes. At the same time, Shan Masood contributed well with a quick-fire 51 off 47, including four boundaries and one six. Imam-ul-Haq had a forgettable outing scoring run-a-ball six.
Pakistan have reached 273/3 at Lunch, Day 3
At the same time, skipper Babar Azam enjoyed a good start and looked set at 39 off 75, including four boundaries and a six but he fell prey to Prabath Jayasuriya’s left-arm spin. This is the sixth time, Jayasuriya has dismissed Babar Azam in seven outings as the Lankan continues to will their personal duel. Azam has only scored 172 runs against him at an average of 28.7. The Pakistan skipper surely struggles against the left-arm spin wizard of Sri Lanka.
Saud Shakeel, Pakistan’s star from the first Test is currently out in the middle supporting Abdullah Shafique. He is batting at 32* off 81, including two boundaries. Pakistan have reached 273/3 at Lunch, Day 3, leading the hosts by 107 runs. With one Test already in the bag, Pakistan are in a strong position to win the second Test and complete the whitewash. This will put Pakistan atop the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle’s standings.
Here's how fans reacted:
Moin Ali Vs Kolhi Ka Stats Bhi Dikhado 😂
— 🇵🇰 Muhammad Noor 🇵🇰 (@Noor_Marriii) July 26, 2023
— anurag (@viratians25) July 26, 2023
He is saving his best for the world cup and Asia cup.
— Y/S!R^ (@Lofted_driv) July 26, 2023
ghante ka king Fab 1 😂😂😂 world kilaas #PAKvSL
— Amit Yadav (@77th100when) July 26, 2023
Last 6 Test Innings vs SL
55 - Got out vs P Jayasuriya
16 - Got out vs P Jayasuriya
81 - Got out vs P Jayasuriya
13 - Got out vs P Jayasuriya
24 - Got out vs P Jayasuriya
39 - Got out vs P Jayasuriya (Today)*
Still You Haven't Forget The Defeat In Emerging Asia Cup I See Baap Baap Hota Hai🇵🇰
— AHمAR🎗️ (@Anonymous_56_Aa) July 26, 2023
MF with 0 test wins 🤣😭🤡 pic.twitter.com/Z7KXSOM2J2
— M.WAYNE 🦇| விடாமுயற்சி 💪 (@AK_FREAK_66) July 26, 2023
Virat Kohli against part-timer Moeen Ali in Test cricket.
— Et tu Brute? (@FourthUmpirre) July 26, 2023
Runs - 196
Balls - 393
Out - 06 pic.twitter.com/KXq7snHInQ
GOAT mufa trolling Zimbu too 😭❤❤ pic.twitter.com/Xb8P7DxR81
— 🇵🇰 Muhammad Noor 🇵🇰 (@Noor_Marriiii) July 26, 2023