Pakistan created history as they beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in the second Test of the two-match Test series. Pakistan won the series 2-0, whitewashing the hosts. In the process, they handed Sri Lanka their heaviest home defeat in history. This was Pakistan’s biggest away win in their Test history as they created the record for most Test series wins in Sri Lanka (5).
Talking of the second Test, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Only Dhananjaya de Silva could get past the 50-run mark, as Sri Lanka were bundled up for 166 in 48.4 overs. De Silva scored 57 off 68, including nine boundaries and a maximum. Abrar Ahmed remained the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan with figures of 4/69 in 20.4 overs. Naseem Shah followed closely with 3/41 in 14 overs while Shaheen Shah Afridi bagged 1/44 in 11 overs.
Abdullah Shafique and Noman Ali were the match-winner for Pakistan
In reply, Pakistan posted a humongous 576/5 before declaring with a lead of 410 runs. Opener Abdullah Shafique scored a tremendous double century – 201 off 326 balls with 19 fours and four sixes. At the same time, Salman Ali Agha contributed with 132 off 154 balls, including 15 fours and one six lower down the order. Mohammed Rizwan (50* off 67), Saud Shakeel (57 off 110), and Shan Masood (51 off 47) contributed well with half-centuries.
In reply, Sri Lanka could only manage 188 in 67.4 overs before the Pakistan bowling attack bowled them out for the second time in the game. This time it was Angelo Mathews who was Sri Lanka’s lone hero with 63 off 127, including seven fours and two sixes. Noman Ali completed a seven-wicket haul with figures of 7/70 in 23 overs. At the same time, Naseem Shah recorded figures of 3/44 in 17.4 overs.
Abdullah Shafique was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ award for his spectacular double century. At the same time, Salman Ali Agha won the ‘Man of the Series’ award for his all-round display in the two Tests.
Here’s how fans reacted after Pakistan's victory:
This is new Pakistan ❤️❤️
— Fardeen khan (@Fardeen18008341) July 27, 2023
First series win 600+ days 😆😂🤣
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) July 27, 2023
Zimbu - chicken dinner with 0 kills
— Vaibhav™ (@Titan_boyies) July 27, 2023
Sorry India This is Pakistan 🇵🇰
— Shaista🌺 (@Shaista2054) July 27, 2023
Fluke win
— Vaibhav™ (@Titan_boyies) July 27, 2023
Congratulations but they seem to do well only in sub continent conditions.
— Yashodhan P. Toprani (@YPToprani) July 27, 2023
Scene from Karachi 🤣 pic.twitter.com/T8vJwTcxbA
— SaM Sachin (@SaM__Sachin18) July 27, 2023
First series win 600+ days 😆😂🤣
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) July 27, 2023