Pakistan showcased a brilliant bowling performance against Sri Lanka on Day 4 of the Galle Test as they bundled out the hosts for 279 runs in 83.1 overs. The visitors now need 130 runs to snatch the first Test of the two-match series from the Islanders.
Apart from impressive bowling, the sensational fielding by Pakistan stood out for them in the match. The play on Day 4 of the Galle Test saw two sensational catches being taken by the Pakistani players during the second innings of Sri Lanka.
The first brilliant fielding effort came from Pakistan skipper Babar Azam who showcased incredible agility at the slip and stretched towards his left to pluck the ball and dismiss Angelo Matthews. However, Babar’s effort was outshined by his compatriot Abdullah Shafique later, who showcased incredible reflexes and pulled off a stunner to dismiss Samarawickrama.
Shafique’s catch came on the fifth ball of the 56th over when Samarawickrama stepped down the pitch against Agha Salman and ended up getting an inside edge towards the short leg. Shafique, who had been tracking the batter, soon realized the ball was going past him and showed incredible reflexes by pulling off a brilliant full-stretch catch. The sensational fielding effort by the Pakistani batter was well-appreciated by his teammates.
Here’s the video:
This is pure sorcery. ft Abdullah Shafique. pic.twitter.com/LRTn987DXr
— Shafqat Shabbir (@Chefkat23) July 19, 2023
Speaking of the match, Dhananjaya de Silva showed great resistance and scored 82 runs for the hosts. He was well supported by Ramesh Mendis (42), but the duo’s resilient innings couldn’t do much as Sri Lanka finished their second innings on 279 with a lead of just 103 runs. Among Pakistani bowlers, Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi and Salman chipped in with two scalps each.
After putting up a great show with the ball, Pakistan will now look to bat patiently and gain a lead over the Islanders by winning the opening Test of the two-match series.
