The Day 2 of the Galle Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan turned out to be a big positive for the Islanders as they sent back half the visitor’s line-up to the pavilion, making Pakistan’s score 221/5 in 45 overs until stumps.
Resuming their innings on 241, the hosts finished their first innings on a score of 312. The day also saw Dhananjaya de Silva completing his ton and reaching a score of 122 before falling prey to Naseem Shah. The dismissal of De Silva opened the doors for Pakistan, and they eventually dismissed all the remaining batters cheaply to bowl out the hosts. However, Vishwa Fernando added crucial 21 runs for his team batting on the eleventh position. All Shaheen Afridi, Naseem and Abrar Ahmed bagged three wickets for Pakistan.
In reply, Pakistan’s innings got off to a disastrous start and lost their opener Imam-ul-Haq (1) in the second over itself. Although Abdullah Shafique seemed good, he too was dismissed for 19 runs by Ramesh Mendis. The wicket of Shafique was soon followed by Shan Masood (39) and Babar Azam (13). Sarfaraz Ahmed (17) fell victim to Prabath Jayasuriya as well.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the Pakistan innings was revived by a crucial partnership between Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman. The duo struck brilliant half-centuries and finished the rain-affected day unbeaten on 69 and 61 runs, respectively. On the other hand, Jayasuriya shined among Sri Lankan bowlers and picked three wickets for his side.
Pakistan will now look to carry the momentum and dissolve the 91-run gap when they resume their innings tomorrow. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be determined to wrap things up quickly on Day 3.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
🏏 Stumps have been called on Day 2. Prabath Jayasuriya's sensational three-fer left Pakistan at 101/5, but the visitors showed resilience in the final session. #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/1cBsqRF3Nd
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 17, 2023
Agha Salman and Saud Shakeel have 31 first-class hundreds between them. The way both of them have tackled Prabath Jayasuriya and have played with positive intent is commendable. They are going to serve Pakistan cricket for years to come In Shaa Allah ❤️ #SLvPAK
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) July 17, 2023
Six 50s and one hundred from just 11 innings for Saud Shakeel. This one comes in tougher conditions. Averaging above 79 already. A player to watch out.#SLvsPAK pic.twitter.com/M908OaAyb6
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) July 17, 2023
https://twitter.com/37gunner/status/1680927726629158914
Pakistan is being tested again after their home humiliation. The Pakistan batters are struggling to perform on the “Assumed Tough” pitch. Prabath Jayasuriya is on fire and Pakistan is in huge trouble. #SLvsPAK pic.twitter.com/hmuwxivzMP
— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952) July 17, 2023
Stumps called and the day ends well for Pakistan.
After starting off aggressively, the introduction of spinners saw Pakistan collapse to 101-5. But Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman shared an unbeaten stand of 120 to bring the trail down to 91.#WTC25 | #SLvPAK | #Cricket |
— AAMAR KHAN (@AAMARKH82028952) July 17, 2023
Great Comeback for Pakistan
Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman have pulled up pakistan from a difficult situation
Now need both these guys to stay with the momentum on Day 3 and at least match the trail score so that tailenders have it easy. #PAKvSL | #SLvPAK | #CricketTwitter— Faiq Sadiq (@faiqsadiq322) July 17, 2023
SL have finally found Herath replacement.
50 wickets in just 7 matches and 3 more wickets in this match.
Prabath Jayasuriya take a bow pic.twitter.com/4hv04XVczb
— yang goi (@GongR1ght) July 17, 2023
Saud shakeel and agha salman deadly duo 🙏
— Slim shady (@Slimsha53997731) July 17, 2023
Stumps on Day 2 🏏
An unbeaten 120-run stand between Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman has bailed Pakistan out of trouble 👏 #WTC25 | #SLvPAK | pic.twitter.com/0nHKpGtbK1
— Cricket Pakistan (@Cricket_PCB) July 17, 2023
Outstanding partnership between Saud Shakeel & Agha Salman 💯#PAKvSL
— M A N I (@NomanSh19) July 17, 2023
