On the opening day of the only two-day practice match, Shaheen Shah Afridi made a strong comeback to red-ball cricket, leading the Pakistan bowling attack to dismiss the SLC Board XI for 196 in 46.3 overs. Shaheen, who had missed previous Tests due to a knee injury, showcased his class by taking three crucial wickets.
Shaheen’s spell was exceptional as he removed Kamindu Mendis (21), Ahan Wickramasinghe (2), and Kavishka Anjula (2), finishing with impressive figures of 12-3-37-3. Hasan Ali also had a remarkable outing, contributing with three wickets of his own, giving away only 22 runs in 7.3 overs. Aamir Jamal (2 for 33) and Abrar Ahmed (2 for 52) complemented the pace duo by claiming two wickets each.
Oshada Fernando stood out for the home side with a resilient innings of 113 runs off 127 balls, including 18 boundaries. However, his dismissal to Aamir halted the team’s progress at 168. At the close of play, Pakistan had reached a solid position at 160 for three in 37 overs, with Babar Azam (14) and Saud Shakeel (0) at the crease.
Shan Masood played a vital role for Pakistan, emerging as the top-scorer with a well-crafted 83 runs off just 66 deliveries, featuring nine boundaries and three sixes. The opening pair of Imam Ul Haq (36) and Abdullah Shafique (25) provided a solid start to the innings.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin in Galle on Sunday, July 16.
Scores in Brief:
SLC Board XI: 196 all out in 46.3 overs (Oshada Fernando 113; Hasan Ali 3-22, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-37, Aamir Jamal 2-33, Abrar Ahmed 2-52)
Pakistan: 160-3 in 37 overs (Shan Masood 83, Imam Ul Haq 36, Abdullah Shafique 25, Babar Azam 14*, Saud Shakeel 0*; Lakshitha Manasinghe 2-39)
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