Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad delivered another sensational performance, claiming 6-30, as Pakistan Shaheens dominated the opening day of the second four-day match against Sri Lanka ‘A’ at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Despite a spirited lower-order fightback, the visitors closed Day 1 at 293-8.
After electing to field, Pakistan Shaheens made early inroads with Khurram reducing Sri Lanka ‘A’ to 35-5. The pacer, coming off a nine-wicket haul in the first match, continued his stellar run post-injury with a devastating 10-over spell, exhibiting sharp pace and accuracy.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ staged a recovery through No.7 batter Sonal Dinusha, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 81 off 169 balls, featuring seven boundaries. Dinusha built crucial partnerships, including a 59-run stand with Pavan Rathnayake (35), a 56-run effort with Dinura Kalupahana (30), and a vital 98-run partnership with Wanuja Sahan (63 off 79 balls).
Sahan’s aggressive knock included six fours and a six, while No.10 Isitha Wijesundara contributed a blazing 38* off 26 balls, smashing four boundaries and three sixes. Their ninth-wicket stand of 45* frustrated the Shaheens late in the day.
Ahmed Safi Abdullah chipped in with figures of 2-100, providing crucial breakthroughs to complement Khurram’s heroics.
Scores in Brief (Day 1 of 4):
Pakistan Shaheens won the toss and elected to field first
Sri Lanka ‘A’ 293-8, 75 overs (Sonal Dinusha 81*; Wanuja Sahan 63, Isitha Wijesundara 38*, Pavan Rathnayake 35, Dinura Kalupahana 30, Ahan Wickramsinghe 30; Khurram Shahzad 6-30, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 2-100)
With the match finely poised, Pakistan Shaheens will look to wrap up the Sri Lanka ‘A’ innings quickly on Day 2 and take control of proceedings.
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