LAHORE MIRROR — In the second match of the Test series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan held in Colombo on Monday, the Sri Lanka cricket team faced a challenging situation as they were bowled out for 166 runs in their first innings. Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah proved to be formidable with their bowling performances, wreaking havoc on the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Despite Dhanajaya de Silva’s efforts to replicate his heroics from the first Test, where he performed exceptionally, he could only manage to score 57 runs before falling to Abrar, who was well-supported by Saud Shakeel, taking a well-judged catch.
Abrar also dismissed the unlucky Sadeera Samarawickrama, who found himself out in the same manner for the third consecutive time in this series. Ramesh Mendis tried to resist with his 27 runs, but Sri Lanka’s innings eventually crumbled just before Tea.
Abrar secured four wickets, while Naseem managed to take three, significantly contributing to the team’s success.
Pakistan’s Shan Masood played a crucial role by providing an early breakthrough in the opening hour of the first day with a brilliant throw that hit the stumps on the striker’s end, removing Nishan Madushka.
Shaheen Shah Afridi further dented the hosts’ batting lineup by dismissing Kusal Mendis in the seventh over. Sri Lanka had chosen to bat first after winning the toss, but their start was hampered due to a delay caused by early morning rain.
Naseem continued to be a threat for Sri Lanka, taking back-to-back wickets in quick succession. Within his two overs, he sent Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne back to the pavilion, two experienced batters who were crucial for Sri Lanka in difficult times.
At Lunch, Sri Lanka was struggling at 79-4 with Dhanajaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal on the crease.
Overall, it was a challenging day for Sri Lanka’s batting lineup as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the proceedings and put the home side under immense pressure.
