In a thrilling encounter at the Galle International Stadium in Galle, Babar Azam-led Pakistan got their ICC World Test Championship campaign off to a fantastic start by securing a hard-fought victory over Sri Lanka by four wickets on the fifth day of the first Test match.
Having set a target of 133 runs to win on the final day, Pakistan’s second innings began with determination and resolve. Resuming their innings at 48 for three, with 83 runs still required, Babar Azam showcased his intent early in the morning. The skipper struck two boundaries in the very first over, signaling his team’s intention to chase down the target.
Babar continued to show his class with two more boundaries before being dismissed leg-before wicket to Prabath Jayasuriya for a quickfire 24 off 28 balls, comprising five fours. His early departure put Sri Lanka back in the hunt, leaving Pakistan at 79 for four.
However, Pakistan’s opener Imam-ul-Haq stepped up to the challenge and found support from the first-innings double centurion, Saud Shakeel. The pair formed a crucial 43-run partnership for the fifth wicket before Saud (30, 38 balls, 6 fours) fell to Ramesh Mendis in the 30th over.
With just five runs required for victory, Pakistan suffered a minor hiccup when Sarfaraz Ahmed was dismissed for only one run. But, Salman Ali Agha came to the rescue, showing nerves of steel. On his very first ball, Salman Ali Agha smashed a huge six, clinching the victory for Pakistan by four wickets in style.
Imam-ul-Haq played a significant role in Pakistan’s successful chase, remaining unbeaten on 50 off 84 balls, including four fours and one six.
For Sri Lanka, Prabath Jayasuriya emerged as the standout bowler, claiming four wickets in the second innings and finishing with a total of seven wickets in the match.
The match was characterized by impressive performances from both sides. In the first innings, Sri Lanka scored 312 runs, with Dhananjaya de Silva (122) leading the way, supported by Angelo Mathews (64). Pakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah each taking three wickets.
Pakistan posted an imposing total of 461 in their first innings, thanks to a remarkable double century by Saud Shakeel (208 not out) and significant contributions from Salman Ali Agha (83) and Shan Masood (39). Ramesh Mendis claimed five wickets for Sri Lanka, while Prabath Jayasuriya took three.
In the end, the Player of the Match honor went to Saud Shakeel for his outstanding double century in the first innings, which set the foundation for Pakistan’s victory.
With this win, Pakistan now leads the two-Test series 1-0 against the hosts, Sri Lanka. The second and final Test is scheduled to take place at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, commencing on 24th July. The teams will look forward to another intense battle as they continue their quest for success in the ICC World Test Championship.
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