Shaheen Shah Afridi showcased the impact Pakistan missed in red-ball cricket over the past year as he accounted for the top three Sri Lankan batters, but half-centuries from Dhananjaya de Silva and Angelo Mathews saved the hosts from a complete collapse on a rain-truncated day one of the Galle Test.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lanka lost opener Nishan Madushka early to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who became the fourth fastest Pakistani fast bowler to reach a century of Test wickets. Shaheen continued his impressive spell by removing Kusal Mendis and Dimuth Karunaratne in quick succession, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 54 for four after Naseem Shah dismissed Dinesh Chandimal.
However, former captain Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva steadied the innings with a resilient 131-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Mathews was dismissed by Abrar Ahmed just before tea, while de Silva remained unbeaten on 94 at the end of the day’s play.
Rain interruptions throughout the day limited the action to just 65.4 overs, with Sri Lanka finishing at 242 for six. Sadeera Samarawickrama was the last wicket to fall, caught brilliantly by Imam-ul-Haq off Salman Ali Agha in the final over of the day.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, claiming three crucial wickets in his 15 overs. Despite the slow and unhelpful pitch, he bowled aggressively and consistently, supported by sharp catching from the fielders. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed also bowled intelligently but without luck.
Dhananjaya de Silva played a crucial knock of 94 not out, displaying patience and aggression with his innings consisting of 10 fours and three sixes. He was fortunate with a couple of mis-hits, but otherwise, he remained solid throughout.
Apart from the partnership with Mathews, de Silva also contributed to a valuable 57-run stand with Samarawickrama for the sixth wicket.
At the end of the day, Sri Lanka will be pleased with their recovery after a shaky start, while Pakistan will look to continue their impressive bowling display on day two.
Scores at the close of play on day one:
Sri Lanka 242-6 in 65.4 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 94 not out, Angelo Mathews 64, Sadeera Samarawickrama 36, Dimuth Karunaratne 29; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-63, Abrar Ahmed 1-59, Naseem Shah 1-66, Salman Ali Agha 1-18)
Pakistan Playing XI: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, and Shan Masood.
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