Pakistan dominate day three
Opener Abdullah Shafique hit his maiden double century while Agha Salman stroked an unbeaten 132 as Pakistan scored a massive 563/5 in their first innings with a 397 lead after the third day’s play of the second Test played at SSC grounds yesterday.
A very fine batting display by the Pakistani batsmen, Shafique scoring a stunning 201 with 326 balls with 19 fours and 4 sixes while Agha Salman hit an unbeaten 132 in 148 balls with 15 fours and a six.
The SSC wicket seemed to have worked in the batsmen’s favour during the third day, however, Sri Lanka bowlers were running out of luck after bowling 132 overs after the second day was nearly washed out although rain had ceased and was possible to play only one hour.
Earlier the day started with skipper Babar Azam being the first to be knocked over for 39 in 75 balls with 4 boundaries and a six and leg spinner Prabath Jayasuriya making the breakthrough but Shafique continued his innings to build up the total with more confidence. Shafique added a 109-run fourth-wicket stand with Saud Shakeel who scored 57 in 110 balls with six fours. Wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed retired hurt after the ball hit him on his head and ended up walking back to the pavilion after contributing 14 to the total of 344 for 4 wickets.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Media Manager Ahsan Ifthikar said: “Injured Sarfaraz Ahmed has been replaced by Mohammad Rizwan as a concussion substitute after match referee David Boon accepted the Pakistan team management’s request for the substitution.”
Sarfaraz was hit on his head while ducking a bouncer by Asitha Fernando in the afternoon session on day three. He remains under the observation of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical panel after being rushed to the hospital to get a scan report and returned back to the dressing room where the cricketer is recovering fast.
Saud Shakeel created a world record during his seven-Test career as he was able to score at least half a century in each of his innings.
Asitha Fernando the right-arm paceman was the most successful bowler taking 3 for 133 in his 24-over spell while leg spinner Prabath Jayasuriya took 2 for 182 in his 52-over spell and off-spinner Ramesh Mendis who gave away 139 runs in his 36-over spell went wicketless.
Pakistan scored 563 for 5 wickets which is second highest against Sri Lanka while their Opener Abdullah Shafique was the third youngest double centurion of Pakistan.
SSC wicket getting flat, says Spin Coach
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka spin coach Piyal Wijethunga said at the moment SSC wicket is more flat and batters can play more easily than Sri Lanka innings. I can’t speak for the Pakistan spinners but our spinners had to bat on a more flat wicket and they were under pressure. We had to make more effort. I think as a off spinner Dhananjaya de Silva could bowl more overs but we have a bigger task to play against the Pakistan batsmen who had played really well, added Piyal Wijethunga.
Off spinner Lakshitha Manasinghe had to wait to get Test status and I think he has to get more experience and wait and see to get his chance. Obviously, Manasinghe performed well recently and we hope that he will play for the Test team in future, said Wijethunga.
