Pakistan Ends Win Drought Beats Sri Lanka By 4 Wickets

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in the first Test of the two-match series in Galle. Chasing 131 for victory, Pakistan started the day on 48-3 and lost three more wickets, including skipper Babar Azam for 24, before they achieved the target in the first session.

Imam-ul-Haq was the star of the chase, scoring an unbeaten 50. He was well supported by Saud Shakeel, who made 30, and Agha Salman, who made 27.

For Sri Lanka, Prabath Jayasuriya was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-39.

In the first innings, Sri Lanka made 312, with Dinesh Chandimal top-scoring with 86. Pakistan replied with 461, with Saud Shakeel making 208.

Ramesh Mendis was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, taking 5-118.

The second Test of the series will be played in Colombo from Monday.

Key moments 

• Imam-ul-Haq’s innings was a masterclass in patience and temperament. He showed great composure under pressure and was able to build a partnership with Saud Shakeel to take Pakistan home.
• Saud Shakeel’s double hundred was a brilliant innings. He batted with great maturity and skill, and his knock was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s first innings total.

Prabath Jayasuriya was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka. He bowled with great control and accuracy, and his three wickets were crucial in helping Sri Lanka restrict Pakistan to 131.Key Takeaways

• Pakistan’s batting was much more solid in the second innings, with Saud Shakeel’s double hundred providing a solid foundation.
• Imam-ul-Haq’s innings was a masterclass in patience and temperament, and he showed great composure under pressure.
• Prabath Jayasuriya was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, but he was unable to prevent Pakistan from winning the match.

Looking Ahead

The second Test of the series will be played in Colombo from Monday. Pakistan will be looking to build on their victory in the first Test, while Sri Lanka will be hoping to bounce back and level the series.

Overall

It was a good Test match, with both teams playing some good cricket. Pakistan were the better team on the day, but Sri Lanka will be hoping to improve in the second Test.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s win in the first Test was a good start to the series. They will be looking to build on this performance in the second Test and take a 2-0 lead in the series. Sri Lanka will need to improve their batting if they want to level the series.