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SL vs PAK, 2nd Test: BobbyBall Lambasts Sri Lanka On Day 1

image-lkgvftspAbdullah Shafique & Shan Masood scored fifties on Day 1 (Twitter)

A robust performance from Pakistan highlighted the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Pakistan ended Day 1 with 145/2 after dismissing Sri Lanka for a measly 166, their lowest score on home ground. The strong showing on Day 1 has tightened their grip on the series after having won the first Test in Galle.


SL vs PAK, Day 1 Report: Talking Points

Early strikes and strategic dominance by Pakistan

Despite losing the toss, Pakistan's bowlers rose to the occasion, capitalizing on early pitch moisture. A lapse in judgment by Dimuth Karunaratne resulted in Nishan Madhushka’s run-out courtesy of a brilliant throw from Shan Masood followed by Kusal Mendis, who also departed cheaply. A determined burst from Naseem Shah led to the downfall of Angelo Mathews and Karunaratne, pushing Sri Lanka to 36/4.


Dhananjaya de Silva leads a counteroffensive

Faced with a rapidly sinking ship, Sri Lankan’s crisis man, Dhananjaya de Silva fought back, challenging Pakistan's bowlers with an aggressive batting display. Alongside Dinesh Chandimal, the duo carried Sri Lanka to a slightly more tenable 79/4 at lunch. Their promising 85-run partnership, however, fell victim to Pakistan's clever fielding.


Pakistan's top-notch fielding puts Sri Lanka on the backfoot

The visitors continued their onslaught post lunch, keeping the Lankans under relentless pressure. Abrar Ahmed's precise line and length induced a series of errors from Sri Lanka's lower order, resulting in them getting bowled out for 166. Pakistan's fielding remained exceptional throughout with some fine catches and direct hits and was pivotal in the home team’s downfall.


Pakistan's counter-attacking batting

Despite losing opener Imam-ul-Haq early, Pakistan's counter-attack was launched fiercely by Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique. The pair dominated Sri Lanka's bowlers, maintaining a run-rate close to six an over. Though Masood was eventually dismissed after his fifty, Babar Azam joined Shafique at the crease to carry the momentum forward, leaving Pakistan just 21 runs behind at the end of Day 1.


Expectations from Day 2

Going into Day 2, Pakistan will aim to capitalize on their momentum to establish a substantial lead. Their batters’ scintillating form suggests they are primed to push Sri Lanka further into the defensive. 

On the other hand, Sri Lanka will mount an aggressive bowling attack to secure early wickets, preventing Pakistan from expanding their lead and preventing the tourists from taking further command in this high-stakes Test.


Brief Scores

Sri lanka: (1st innings): 166/10 (48.4)

Dhananjaya de Silva 57 (68), Dinesh Chandimal 34 (60)

Abrar Ahmed 4-69 (20.4), Naseem Shah 3-41 (14)

Pakistan: (1st innings): 145/2

Abdullah Shafique 74* (99), Shan Masood 51 (47)

Asitha Fernando 2-41 (7), Prabath Jayasuriya 0-35 (8)

Pakistan trail by 21 runs