Shakeel put Pakistan in command

Saud Shakeel who made a superb unbeaten double century celebrating his century.

Saud Shakeel stroked his career best innings of 208 in 361 balls with 19 fours as Pakistan were in a commanding position after third day’s play of the first Test against Sri Lanka played at Galle International Cricket Ctadium yesterday.

It was a superb batting display by 27-year-old left hander who scored his maiden double century which helped them to get 149 runs lead. Yesterday at close of play Sri Lanka openers Dimuth Karunaratne (6) and Nishan Madushka (8) were at the wickets with a total of 14 for no loss, trailed by 135 runs.

Earlier the day started with one hour delay due to rain and wet ground conditions and over night batters Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman resumed their innings to build up the total. The pair added superb 177 runs sixth wicket stand. Salman was first to out scoring 83 in 113 balls with 9 fours and a six while off spinner Ramesh Mendis struck to get Salman and wicket keeper Sadeera Samarawickrama made a smart stump in the 56th over of the innings.

Shakeel continued his batting in a very responsible maner completing his century in 129 balls with 9 fours which was his second Test ton and his efforts as a number five batter helped them to finish the innings 461 all out with a 149 runs lead.

Saud Shakeel and paceman Naseem Shah made a fighting stand to pass the 400 run mark. Naseem Shah played a good supporting role to score 6 runs in 78 balls with a boundary. The pair added 94 runs partnership which was very good for Pakistan at that stage. Shakeel completed his 200 in 352 balls with 19 fours was unbeaten on 208.

Sri Lanka spin duo Ramesh Mendis the off spinner (5 for 136) and off spinner Prabath Jayasuriya (3 for 145) bowled best for Sri Lanka. Two pacemen Kasun Rajitha and Vishwa Fernando took one wicket each.

Sri Lanka trailed by 135 runs expected to get a good start today and pile up a big total with a good lead and put pressure on Pakistan. The day’s hero Saud Shakeel said he was happy to get his maiden double century under pressure. However weather could be the deciding factor for next two days. In fact Pakistan were 346 for 8 wickets at one stage but Sri Lanka bowlers couldn’t get last two wickets and they added more 115 runs to get a good lead.