On the final day of the Test match in Galle, Pakistan displayed a remarkable performance, clinching a thrilling four-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka. This victory allowed them to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, and it was all thanks to Saud Shakeel’s incredible double century in the first innings.
Resuming their run-chase of 131 runs at 48-3, Pakistan had Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq at the crease. Azam scored 24 runs off 28 balls, showcasing five fours, but eventually fell victim to Prabath Jayasuriya’s bowling, caught in front of the stumps. Saud Shakeel, who had earlier scored 30 runs in 38 balls, couldn’t finish at the crease. However, Imam-ul-Haq played impressively, remaining unbeaten with 50 runs, including four fours and a six.
In the final session on the previous day, Jayasuriya’s bowling proved effective once again as he claimed two top-order wickets from Pakistan, dismissing Abdullah Shafique (8) and Shan Masood (7). Additionally, nightwatchman Nauman Ali was run out while attempting a risky second run.
Sri Lanka had been dismissed for 279 in their second innings on day four, setting a target of 131 runs for Pakistan to secure victory. Pakistan’s bowlers, Abrar Ahmed and Nauman Ali, were instrumental in the successful defense, claiming three wickets each, with Shaheen Afridi and Agha Salman taking two wickets each. Dhananjaya de Silva, who had scored a century in the first innings, was once again the top scorer for the home side, contributing 82 runs.
Notably, Saud Shakeel achieved a significant milestone in his Test career, recording his maiden double century during a rain-hit opening match, where Pakistan had taken a commanding 149-run lead against Sri Lanka. The visitors were bowled out for 461 in the final session of day three, with Shakeel remaining unbeaten on 208, and Naseem Shah scoring six off 78 balls in a frustrating ninth-wicket partnership.
Spinner Ramesh Mendis had a five-wicket haul, but Shakeel’s crucial partnerships with tailenders, including a 52-run stand with Nauman Ali (25) and an outstanding 177-run partnership with Agha Salman (83), played a pivotal role in bringing Pakistan back into the game after initially slipping to 101-5 in response to Sri Lanka’s first-innings score of 312.
