In a stunning display of dominance, Pakistan’s cricket team secured a resounding victory against Sri Lanka in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The visitors swept the two-match series with an innings and 222 runs win, showcasing their prowess in the longest format of the game.
Spinner Noman Ali was the star of the show, claiming an impressive seven-wicket haul, while Abdullah Shafique and Agha Salman’s outstanding batting performances powered Pakistan to a commanding total of 576/5d. From the outset, Pakistan was in the driver’s seat as they asked Sri Lanka to bat first.
The Lankan batters struggled to find their footing, crumbling under pressure and were bundled out for a mere 166 runs in the first innings. The Pakistani bowlers, Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah, played pivotal roles, sharing seven wickets between them. In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup showed remarkable resilience. Abdullah Shafique’s marathon double century and Agha Salman’s explosive knock of 132 not out took the game away from the hosts, amassing a colossal total and declaring with a massive lead. Despite contributions from other players, the partnership between Shafique and Salman stood out, ensuring Pakistan’s dominance in the match. As the second innings began, Sri Lanka’s batting frailties were exposed once more, and they were bowled out for a paltry 188 runs. Noman Ali’s exceptional performance with the ball saw him claim seven wickets, single-handedly dismantling the Lankan batting lineup. Following yet another convincing performance, Pakistan sealed the two-match series with a 2-0 win. The visitors displayed exceptional teamwork and determination, impressing captain Babar Azam, who expressed his delight in securing the series victory. Azam praised the brilliant effort put forth by the entire team and lauded the stand-out performances of Abdullah Shafique and Agha Salman.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, particularly their batting display. He lamented the inability of his batters to convert their starts into significant scores, acknowledging that Pakistan’s batting was the key difference between the two sides. The victory not only marked Pakistan’s dominance over Sri Lanka but also solidified their position at the top of the World Test Championship 2023-25 points table.
With a flawless win record so far, Pakistan retained the top spot, leaving their arch-rivals India trailing behind. India, led by Rohit Sharma, held a win percentage of 66.67 following a rain-hit draw against West Indies in their second Test.