Pakistan -Sri Lanka Test Series
2nd Test Match Played at SSC, Colombo, July 23 -27 ,2023.
Sri Lanka 1st Innings 166 All Out in 48 .4 Overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 57, Dinesh Chandimal 34, Ramesh Mendis 27, Abrar Ahmed 4/69, Naseem Shah 3/41)
And 2nd Innings 188 in 67.4 Overs (Angelo Matthews 68*, Dimuth Karunaratne 41, Nathan Madhuska 33, Noman Ali 7/70, Naseem Shah3/44)
Pakistan 1st Innings 576 /5 Declared (Aga Salman 132*, Saud Shakeel 57, Shan Masood 51, Mohammad Rizwan 50*, Babar Azam 39, Asitha Fernando3/ 133, Prabath Jayasuriya 2/194)
Pakistan Won by an Innings and 222 Runs
Pakistan Won the Series 2-0
Player of the Match: Abdullah Shafique
Player of the Series: Aga Salman
Player exceptional brand of attractive cricket Pakistan rolled over host Sri Lanka winning the second test by an innings and 222 runs.
Thus, they earned not only a comprehensive series whitewash but also became the overseas team winning the highest number of series win in Sri Lanka. Pakistan superiority was never in doubt right from day one as the hosts winning the toss and elected to bat was crashed to 166 all out failing to handle leg spin of young Abrar Ahmed (4/69) and suing and reverse suing of Naseem Shah (3/41).
In reply Pakistan blasting Sri Lankan attack all over SSC rattled up highly impressive 576/5 taking huge lead of 410. Abdullah Shafique scored a scintillating double century 201. Aga Salman remained unbeaten on breezy 132. Shan Masood 57 and Mohammad Rizwan coming as concussion sub of Sarfraz Ahmed also produced unbeaten 50.
The fate of the match was written all over as soon as Pakistan declared the innings closed early on day four. Sri Lankan openers Dimuth Karunaratne ( 41 ) and Nishan Madushka (33 ) showed some intention in putting up an opening partnership of 69. But left arm spinner Noman Ali started turning and bouncing venomously exploiting the rough developed on the track. His mate Naseem Shah started swinging reverse at pace. This legal combination was too hot to handle for the lethargic Lankans as they succumbed to 188 all out. Only veteran Angelo Matthews scoring unbeaten 68 could provide some resistance. Noman Ali rocked Lankans taking 7/ 70. Naseem grabbed 3 wickets giving away 44 runs. Pakistan won huge by an innings and 222 runs. The 2-0 series win put Pakistan on the top of ICC Test Championship points tally.
This young Pakistan test team looks prolific with talented batsmen, all round bowling attack and very impressive fielding. The hunger for win was also noticed. Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel scored brilliant double centuries; Aga Salman also scored century. Saud Shakeel is the only player now scoring at least 50 in all 7 tests he played in his short career.
Sri Lanka has strong spin attack. But Pakistani young batsmen played spin exceptionally well on spinning track dancing down the wicket when required and rotating the strikes. The team scored over 450 plus in two test even though prolific Babar Azam did not make major contributions. Shaheen Afridi returning from injury looked in touch. Naseem Shah bowled fast and reversed. Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed formed lethal spin combination.
For a change Pakistan fielded exceptionally well. Some great catches were taken, some brilliant run outs were made. Pakistan bowling attack looked like a complete package. Lopsided Sri Lanka proved no match for the prolific Pakistanis firing in all cylinders. Sri Lanka had no answer to the superb Pakistan bowling attack. Neither their bowlers could utilize their home condition expertly. It will be interesting to see how the young Pakistani test team perform in more testing condition in Australia .
BDST: 1005 HRS, JULY 28, 2023
MSK
