Pak vs SL 1st Test Live: Saud Shakeel's Double Century Puts Pakistan in Command

Galle, Sri Lanka – Saud Shakeel scored a brilliant double-century to put Pakistan in a commanding position in the first Test against Sri Lanka. Shakeel scored 208* as Pakistan reached 461 in their first innings, a lead of 149 runs.

Shakeel’s innings was a masterclass in patience and concentration. He faced 372 balls and hit 21 fours and a six. He was particularly effective against the spin bowling, scoring 124 runs off 187 balls against the spinners.

🎥 The passion behind his 💯💯 moment and expertly batting with the tail – hear from @saudshak about his stunning double century ▶️#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/7Cdn6mZAp1

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 18, 2023

The other Pakistan batsmen also made contributions, with Azhar Ali scoring 76 and Nauman Ali scoring 52. However, it was Shakeel’s innings that was the difference-maker.

Sri Lanka’s reply got off to a poor start, with Dimuth Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando both falling cheaply. However, Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis put on a 56-run partnership to steady the innings.

At the end of the day, Sri Lanka were 14/0, trailing Pakistan by 135 runs.

Saud Shakeel’s brilliant double century in the first Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan:

Shakeel is the first Pakistani batsman to score a double century in Sri Lanka since Younis Khan in 2012.
He is the 13th Pakistani batsman to score a double century in Test cricket.
His innings is the highest by a Pakistani batsman in the first innings of a Test match since Mohammad Yousuf scored 222 against India in 2006.
Shakeel’s innings is the second-highest by a batsman in the first innings of a Test match in Galle, behind only Mahela Jayawardene’s 286 for Sri Lanka against England in 2007.

Shakeel’s innings was a timely reminder of his talent. He has been in good form for Pakistan in recent months, and his double century will give him a lot of confidence going forward.

🎥 The passion behind his 💯💯 moment and expertly batting with the tail – hear from @saudshak about his stunning double century ▶️#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/7Cdn6mZAp1

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 18, 2023

Sri Lanka will need to find a way to dismiss Shakeel early in the second innings if they are to have any chance of winning the match. The match is evenly poised, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds on the final two days.

KEY MOMENTS

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were unable to find a way to dismiss Shakeel, who batted with great discipline and application.
Pakistan’s other batsmen also made contributions, with Azhar Ali scoring 76 and Nauman Ali scoring 52.
Sri Lanka’s reply got off to a poor start, with Dimuth Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando both falling cheaply.
Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis put on a 56-run partnership to steady the innings, but they were both dismissed in the final session of the day.

Shakeel’s innings was a timely reminder of his talent. He has been in good form for Pakistan in recent months, and his double century will give him a lot of confidence going forward.