2nd Test Played at SCC, Colombo, 25-19 July 2023
Sri Lanka 166 All Out in 48.4 Overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 57, Dinesh Chandimal 34, Ramesh Mendis 27, Abrar Ahmed 4/69, Naseem Shah 3/41)
Pakistan 563/5 in 132 Overs (Abdullah Shafique 201, Aga Salman 132*, Saud Shakeel 57, Shan Masood 51, Babar Azam 39, Mohammad Rizwan 37*, Asitha Fernando 3/133, Prabath Jayasuriya 2/181)
Well primed effervescent Pakistan playing a wonderful brand of aggressive cricket climbing on run mountain assumed an impregnable position against host Sri Lanka at SCC Colombo at stumps on day three. After crushing the home side to 166 all out in the first innings Pakistan finished the eventful day one within touching distance of the home team scoring 145/2 at stumps of day one. The second day’s play was mostly rained out. In few overs possible Pakistan reached 178/2.
On day three with regular aggressive partnership Pakistan climbed the crest posting 563/5. Taking 397 runs lead and wicket developing turn and bounce Pakistan is almost certain for winning the test and whitewashing Sri Lanka. The win will take Pakistan on the top of ICC test championship. The only possibility that can prevent Pakistan is rain washing the last two days. That even looks highly unlikely now. Pakistan winning the first test is leading 1-0 in two tests series.
On the SCC wicket traditionally known to be favoring spin Sri Lanka winning the toss opted to bat. But a very well-tuned Pakistan attack featuring fast and furious Naseem Shah (3/41), young leg spinner Abrar Ahmed (4/69) and prodigious Shaheen Shah Afridi (1/44) decimated home side to a meagre 166 all out. Shah Masood executed two brilliant run outs. Only Dhananjaya de Silva (57), Dinesh Chandimal (34) and Ramesh Mendis (27) resisted a little. Pakistan looked different all the way when they batted on the same surface. Opener Abdullah Shafique playing the innings of his life time produced an exceptional 201. In course of his innings he featured in four prolific partnership -2nd wicket 108 with Shan Masood (57), 3rd wicket 89 with Babar Azam (39), 4th Wicket 109 with Saud Shakeel (57), 5th wicket 144 with Sarfraz ( retired hurt ) and Aga Salman (132 *). Salman and Mohammad Rizwan (37*) playing as concussion replacement of Sarfraz were at the wicket producing 95 unbroken 6th wicket partnership.
All the Pakistani batsmen played with controlled aggression with Abdullah Shafique and Aga Salman playing exceptionally well. Sri Lanka in their own backyard was made to look like pedestrians. Toiling all the way left arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya (2/181) and pacer Asitha Fernando (3/133) could do a bit. Pakistan taking huge 397 runs lead looking certain for winning the test and the series.
It will be a comprehensive whitewash and major achievement for Babar’s army as it will put them on the top of ICC Test Championship table. Pakistan may declare at overnight score or depending on weather bat for an hour today stretching the lead further. Batting today and if required tomorrow on turning ,bouncing wicket will not be at all easy.
It seems that Spring has set in Pakistan cricket. A few days back Pakistan A also won Asia’s Men Emerging cup outplaying host Sri Lanka and India in the semifinal and final. The morale of the Pakistan team will be sky high when they play Asia Cup in late August and early September. Pakistan team appears a full package with brilliant inform batsmen, all round effective bowling attack and for a change brilliant fielders.
BDST: 0940 HRS, JULY 27, 2023
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