Pakistan demonstrated their cricketing prowess by securing an impressive innings and 222-run triumph against Sri Lanka in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on Thursday.
The star of the match was Abdullah Shafique, who notched up his maiden double century and was deservedly named the player of the match.
With this win, Pakistan maintained their flawless record in the Test series, having already defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in Galle, thus starting the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 on a high note.
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In the second Test, Pakistan resumed their first innings at 563 for five in 132 overs. They declared their innings after adding 13 runs in two overs, without losing any wickets.
Rizwan, who returned unbeaten on 37 from the previous day, continued his good form and scored 13 more runs, achieving a half-century off 67 balls.
The bowlers found it challenging to dismiss him, as he hit four boundaries and a six. On the other hand, Salman Ali Agha could not add any runs to his overnight score of 132.
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During Sri Lanka’s second innings, with a deficit of 410 runs, they were stifled by the exceptional spin bowling of Noman Ali. The left-armer claimed the first seven wickets to fall, finishing with outstanding match figures of 7 wickets for 80 runs in 26 overs.
Naseem Shah also played a crucial role, taking three wickets in this innings, in addition to the three he took in the first innings, ending with a match total of 6 wickets for 85 runs in 31.4 overs.
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The final scorecard read:
Sri Lanka: 166 all out (48.4 overs) and 188 all out (67.4 overs)
Pakistan: 576-5 declared (132 overs)
Player of the match – Abdullah Shafique (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s victory in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka is not only a testament to their cricketing prowess but also marks a positive beginning in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.
Abdullah Shafique’s remarkable double century and Noman Ali’s impressive bowling display contributed significantly to this emphatic win.
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