Shakeel and Salman rescue Pakistan

Dhananjaya de Silva who stroked a fighting century celebrating at Galle, (pix courtesy SLC)

Dhananjaya de Silva stroked a splendid knock of 122 as Sri Lanka made 312 all out while Pakistan were 221 for 5 wickets at close of the second day’s play in the first Test played at Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

During the tea break rain halted the game and once again the rain interrupted the game and umpires called off the game at 5.20pm and they decided to start the game at 9.45 a.m with 98 overs to be bowled today.

The second day started with Dhananjaya de Silva who was on unbeaten 94 resumed with confidence to complete his tenth Test century in a great style.

Dhananjaya who played under pressure after Sri Lanka were 54 for 4 wickets and played a responsible innings to complete three figure mark which came in 175 balls with 10 fours and 3 sixes.

However Pakistan spinners fought back strongly at the first session yesterday and Sri Lanka were all out for 312 at lunch . Dhananjaya de Silva finally got out at number nine while Pakistan pace duo Shaheen Afridi 3 for 86 and Naseem Shah 3 for 90 took bowling honors well supported by leg spinner Abrar Ahmed who captured 3 for 68.

Dhananjaya de Silva the day’s hero said he used to play under pressure to build up Sri Lanka innings. I think we were short 150-200 runs but hope to fight back with this total. Dhananjaya de Silva who reached his milestone 50th Test said my batting position at number 6 normally I have to play under pressure but I have well trained to focus on my innings. Angelo Mathews played a good supportive role followed by Sadeera Samarawickrama and we were in good position after day two especially took five opponent wickets said Dhananjaya de Silva.

Pakistan still trail by 91 runs couldn’t make good start while Imam Ul Haq was out scoring one run in ten balls and paceman Kasun Rajitha struck in the second over with substitute fielder Kamindu Mendis taking a catch at backward point position to dismiss Imam Ul Haq. Abdullah Shafique scored 19 in 28 balls with 3 fours. Dhananjaya de Silva took a catch at second slip off leggie Prabath Jayasuriya who took day’s best figures of 3 for 83 in 16 overs spell.

Shan Masood scored 39 in 30 balls with 5 fours and a six and off spinner Ramesh Mendis took his wicket. The prized wicket of skipper Babar Azam who scored 13 in 16 balls with 3 fours was taken by Prabath Jayasuriya as wicket keeper Sadeera Samarawickrama caught him behind the stumps.

Saud Shakeel (69 in 88 balls with 6 fours) and Agha Salman (61 in 84 balls with 6 fours and a six) put up an unbroken 120 runs stand for sixth wicket which was the most successful Pakistan partnership and they hope to continue their innings today with more confidence.