The second Test of the two-Test series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is underway in the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. Earlier, it was the host team Sri Lanka who won the toss and elected to bat first. But, it was an underwhelming and forgettable batting display from the hosts as they were bowled out by Pakistan for 166 runs in their first innings.
Dhananjaya de Silva remained the only Lankan batter to surpass the 50-run mark, scoring 57 of 68 with nine fours and a six, saving the hosts from embarrassment. Abrar Ahmed remained the best bowler for Pakistan with figures of 4/69 while Naseem Shah followed him closely with 3/41. Shaheen Shah Afridi had a relatively quiet outing, picking up just one wicket from the first innings.
Sri Lanka are behind by 197 runs as of the 91st over of Pakistan’s first innings
In reply, Pakistan batted extremely well with opener Abdullah Shafique remaining the star of the show. He slammed a massive century opening the innings for Pakistan. However, his partner Imam-ul-Haq could not match his expertise as he went out for a run-a-ball six. Shan Masood contributed with a handy half-century, scoring 51 off 47, including four boundaries and a maximum.
Babar Azam received a start but Prabath Jayasuriya had the last laugh dismissing him for 39 off 75. This is the sixth time Jayasuriya has dismissed Babar in seven outings. Sarfaraz Ahmed had to retire hurt but Saud Shakeel continued his form with another half-century, scoring 57 off 110 with six boundaries. With this fifty he also became the first batter to score 50+ runs in each of the first seven Tests. Moreover, he had to bat twice in his second Test where he ended up scoring 50+ in both innings. The level of consistency shown by the Pakistan batter is really commendable.
As of the 91st over, Pakistan have accumulated 363/4 in response to Sri Lanka’s 166. They lead the hosts by 197 runs with Abdullah Shafique still batting at 170* off 271 balls and Salman Ali Agha accompanying him at 14* off 17.
Here’s how fans reacted to Saud Shakeel's unique acheivement:
All on roads...
— CLUSTER (@LukaCluster1) July 26, 2023
Last 4 match me to out bhi nai hua.
— OrangeBatman❄ (@Truthshall2) July 26, 2023
Some serious talent player 👏
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@77thHundredwhnx) July 26, 2023
His spin game is good but not that great to face the likes of Ashwin and Jadeja. He obviously needs to improve his pace game both on the front foot and the back foot
— Srihari ☮️ (@Srihari_08) July 26, 2023
Better than zimbabar 😂
— rahul (@sachinp46101683) July 26, 2023
Let him play on the bouncy pitches too
— neutral man (@neutralmanbro) July 26, 2023
Fluke player
— Samir 𝕏 (@SamirPubgWtf) July 26, 2023
Better than chamiya Fraud Chokli
— Syco || 56💚🇵🇰 (@Babar_Eraa) July 26, 2023