Pakistan fought back on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka, thanks to a counter-attacking partnership between Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman. The two batsmen put on an unbeaten 120 for the sixth wicket to help Pakistan close the day on 221-5, just 91 runs behind Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 312.
Shakeel and Agha came together with Pakistan in a precarious position, five wickets down and 200 runs behind. But they refused to let the pressure get to them, instead playing with a positive intent that helped them to score at a brisk pace. Shakeel hit 69 off 88 balls, while Agha made 61 off 84 balls, and the two batsmen put on a show of aggressive batting that caught Sri Lanka’s bowlers off guard.
The partnership was particularly impressive given the conditions, which were tailor-made for spin bowling. But Shakeel and Agha showed that they were more than capable of playing against spin, and their partnership helped to turn the momentum of the match in Pakistan’s favor.
Pak vs SL Tv telecast and live streaming info
Here are the TV telecast and live streaming details for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series 2023:
Country | TV Channel | Live Streaming |
---|---|---|
India & subcontinent (excluding Pakistan) | Sony Sports Ten 2 | SonyLIV |
Sri Lanka | TV1, Dialog & IPTV – SLT, SLC YouTube channel | |
Pakistan | Ten Sports, PTV, SonyLIV, Tamasha, Tapmad | |
Middle East & North Africa | eVision, Etisalat | |
USA | Willow TV |
The series consists of two Tests, which will be played in Galle and Colombo. The first Test will be played from July 16-20, and the second Test will be played from July 24-28.
⏰ The start of play on Day 3 got delayed due to rain! However, the covers are finally coming off but there are no words in regards to the start time! 🌧️☀️
Catch the action live only on TenSportsHD!#PAKvsSL #Test #Cricket #TenSportsHD pic.twitter.com/lrZZjaYNTT
— TenSports Pakistan (@TenPakistan) July 18, 2023
Sri Lanka will need to find a way to break the partnership on day three if they want to take control of the match. But Shakeel and Agha have shown that they are in good form, and they will be confident of carrying on their good work and helping Pakistan to level the series.
Rain forces an early end to Day 2️⃣
Excellent batting by @saudshak and @SalmanAliAgha1 as the two have added 120 runs for the sixth wicket so far 💫#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/KKEX1Gw8CW
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 17, 2023
In addition to the partnership between Shakeel and Agha, Pakistan will also be encouraged by the performance of Shan Masood. The opener made 39 off 30 balls before being dismissed, but he showed that he is in good touch and that he can score runs against Sri Lanka’s spinners.
Key moments
- The partnership between Shakeel and Agha was the highest sixth-wicket partnership for Pakistan in Sri Lanka since 2015.
- Shakeel’s 69 was his highest score in Test cricket, and Agha’s 61 was his second-highest.
- Sri Lanka’s spinners, Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis, were the most successful bowlers on day two, taking three wickets each.
- The match is evenly poised, with Pakistan just 91 runs behind Sri Lanka’s first-innings total.
- The third day of the match is expected to be a crucial one, with both teams looking to gain an advantage.
Overall, Pakistan will be pleased with their performance on day two. They have fought back from a difficult position to put themselves in a strong position to win the match. Sri Lanka will need to find a way to break the partnership between Shakeel and Agha if they want to take control of the match.
But the Pakistan batsmen have shown that they are in good form, and they will be confident of carrying on their good work and helping Pakistan to level the series.