Pakistan’s cricket team is on the brink of a remarkable comeback triumph in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka in the ICC World Test Championship series.
Displaying superb fielding skills and tactical prowess, Pakistan successfully limited Sri Lanka to 279 all-out after being set a target of 131 runs on the fourth day, July 19.
Starting the day at 14 for no loss, Sri Lanka, who trailed by 149 runs in the first innings, struggled to withstand Pakistan’s fielding brilliance. They were eventually dismissed for 279 in 83.1 overs. At the end of the penultimate day’s play, Pakistan stood at 48 for three, with a remaining 83 runs needed for victory.
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Prabth Jayasuriya proved crucial in dismissing Abdullah Shafique (8) and Shan Masood (7), while Noman Ali (0) fell victim to a run-out. As the final day approaches, Imam-ul-Haq (25) and Babar Azam (6) are tasked with guiding Pakistan towards an unforgettable triumph.
Overcoming the challenges faced earlier in the match, particularly at 101 for five in the first innings on a spin-friendly pitch, victory would stand as one of Pakistan’s finest achievements in recent memory.
Pakistan’s cricket team has positioned themselves excellently for a thrilling triumph in the Galle Test. Their exceptional fielding, tactical brilliance, and standout individual performances have elevated their overall cricket standard. Fans eagerly anticipate the exciting finale, as this closely-fought contest promises a riveting conclusion.
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Pakistan’s fielders emerged as the stars of the day, executing scintillating catches and demonstrating remarkable agility on the field.
Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, and Abdullah Shafique all took stunning catches that played a pivotal role in limiting Sri Lanka’s second innings. The team’s overall fielding standard has witnessed significant improvement, showcasing a new level of performance.
Captain Babar Azam’s near-perfect tactical acumen was evident in his decision to take the second new ball at the earliest opportunity.
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This astute move paid off when Shaheen Shah Afridi swiftly secured two vital wickets, putting Sri Lanka under pressure. Babar’s strategic thinking has added a fresh dimension to Pakistan’s approach during critical moments.
Abrar Ahmed emerged as Pakistan’s standout bowler, claiming three crucial wickets in each innings. His remarkable figures of 3 for 68 in the first innings and an identical performance in the second were instrumental in maintaining the pressure on Sri Lanka. Noman Ali also impressed with three wickets for 75 runs, while all-rounder Salman Ali Agha made significant contributions with two crucial dismissals.
Sri Lanka’s batsman, Dhananjaya de Silva, stood out with an exceptional display of batting prowess. Following his century in the first innings, he amassed a magnificent 82 off 118 balls in the second innings, striking 10 boundaries and two sixes. However, his efforts were in vain as Sri Lanka’s batting lineup collapsed towards the end of their innings.
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Scores on Day 4:
Sri Lanka 312 all out, 95.2 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 122, Angelo Mathews 64, Sadeera Samarawickrama 36, Dimuth Karunaratne 29; Abrar Ahmed 3-68, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-86, Naseem Shah 3-90, Salman Ali Agha 1-18) and 279 all out, 83.1 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 82, Nishan Madushka 52, Ramesh Mendis 42, Dinesh Chandimal 28; Noman Ali 3-75, Abrar Ahmed 3-68, Salman Ali Agha 2-39, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-64)
Pakistan 461 all out, 121.2 overs (Saud Shakeel 208 not out, Salman Ali Agha 83, Shan Masood 39, Noman Ali 25; Ramesh Mendis 5-136, Prabath Jayasuriya 3-145) and 48-3 (Imam-ul-Haq 25 not out, Abdullah Shafique 8, Shan Masood 7, Babar Azam 6 not out, Prabath Jayasuriya 2-12)
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