In a remarkable comeback to the cricket field, Shaheen Afridi showcased his exceptional skills by taking crucial early wickets against Sri Lanka in the opening Test match in Galle.
The talented left-arm fast bowler made a triumphant return almost a year after his last Test match, which coincidentally took place in the same venue against the same opponents. Despite facing multiple injury setbacks during his time off, Afridi seamlessly resumed his dominance.
Since July of the previous year, Afridi had been just one wicket away from the milestone of 100 Test wickets. However, it didn’t take him long to achieve this much-awaited feat. In the second over of his comeback, Afridi became the 19th Pakistani bowler to reach the century mark in Test cricket, a remarkable achievement for a player of his young age.
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Despite not operating at his full pace, Afridi’s deliveries exhibited exceptional movement in the air and off the pitch, causing significant trouble for the Sri Lankan batsmen.
During his eight-over spell, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, and Dimuth Karunaratne all succumbed to Afridi’s skillful bowling, falling victim to his deceptive angles and movement.
At only 23 years old, Afridi joins the exclusive company of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis as the only other Pakistani bowlers to achieve the milestone of 100 Test wickets at such a young age. Akram, Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, commended Afridi for his outstanding accomplishment.
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Following Afridi’s early breakthroughs, Sri Lankan batsmen Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva formed an impressive 131-run partnership, leading their team’s resurgence.
However, Abrar Ahmed managed to dismiss Mathews for 64, breaking the partnership and leaving Sri Lanka at 185/5 by tea.
The final session of the day was disrupted by rain, but not before Dhananjaya and Sadeera Samarawickrama added a crucial 57 runs for the sixth wicket.
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Just before stumps, an outstanding catch by Imam-ul-Haq ended their partnership, leaving Sri Lanka with a total of 242/6 at the close of play. Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on an impressive 94 runs.
