Dhanjaya de Silva scored a fine 122 as Sri Lanka made a creditable recovery after being reduced to 54/4 in the first innings. At Lunch on the second day’s play in Galle, the hosts were bowled out for a competitive 312 with the final four wickets adding 70 runs on the second morning. Pakistan faced a challenging day on Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka, losing five crucial wickets and finishing the day with a total score of 221. Rain interrupted the play, forcing an early stumps call, with Pakistan trailing Sri Lanka by 91 runs. Prior to the rain delay, Pakistan had managed to dismiss the Sri Lankan team for 312 runs. Prabath Jayasuriya took three big wickets as Sri Lanka claimed control of the opening Test in Galle in a high-octane second session on the second day. For Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva smashed 122. It was his 10th Test century. Apart from him, Angelo Mathews also scored 64 runs. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah were the picks among the bowlers as they took three wickets each. Apart from them, Agha Salman also took one wicket. Despite a promising start, Pakistan began losing wickets at regular intervals, putting them under pressure. The Sri Lankan bowlers exploited the conditions effectively and capitalized on any loose deliveries, making it difficult for the Pakistani batsmen to settle in.
A terrific 120-run partnership between Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman helped Pakistan stage a commendable comeback. As the day progressed, rain arrived, causing an interruption in the game and eventually leading to an early stumps call. Pakistan found themselves at a score of 221, trailing Sri Lanka by 91 runs. The rain delay provided some respite for Pakistan, allowing them to regroup and strategize for the upcoming days. With three days remaining in the Test match, Pakistan will need to stage a strong comeback in order to gain an advantage over Sri Lanka. The remaining batsmen will have to showcase resilience and determination to overcome the deficit and put their team in a commanding position.
Pakistan 221/5 (Saud Shakeel 69*, Agha Salman 61*; Prabath Jayasuriya 3/83) trail Sri Lanka 312 (Dhananjaya de Silva 122, Angelo Matthews 64; Abrar Ahmed 3/68) by 91 runs.
