GALLE: Dinesh Chandimal marked with an astounding 80-run knock as Sri Lankan batters charged Pakistan to lift 315 runs for the loss of six wickets at stumps on the opening day of the second test on Sunday.
Nawaz in 2nd Test:
Wicket-keeper batter Niroshan Dickwella contend a late anaglyph scoring an undefeated forty-two off forty-three balls, whereas opener Oshada Fernando set the tone for Sri Lanka’s batting attack with a superb half-century at the highest.
Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews, however, was out on thirty-six by Pakistan captain Babar Azam within the covers however remained unable to capitalize on the chance as left-arm spinner Nauman Ali forced his way to the pavilion on forty-two runs.
Opting to bat first when winning the toss, Fernando and therefore the skipper Dimuth Kurnaratne designed a solid opening partnership of ninety-two runs before Mohammed Nawaz had the initial breakthrough for Pakistan.
The left-arm spinner dis-slipped Fernando within the twenty-first over when the right-handed batter completed his half-century.
Sri Lanka lost their second wicket simply before Lunch as fielder Agha Salman run out Kusal Mendis on the non-striker finish, dismissing him early for a mere three runs.
Skipper Kuranatane, however, fell prey to leg-spinner Yasir Shah on forty as he mistimed a reverse sweep shot and was caught by the purpose fielder.
Read Also: Day 5 of the first test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan
Sri Lanka’s middle order dominated Pakistan within the last 2 sessions as Chandimal and Mathews thumped a solid 85-run partnership before the latter’s departure on a 195-run total.
Chandimal, on the opposite hand, remained firm and made another 55-run partnership with Dhanajaya De Silva before he offered his wicket to Nawaz whereas attempting to charge him. His splendid knock enclosed 9 fours and 2 sixes.
De Silva made thirty-three runs before he was bowled out by pacer Naseem Shah.
For Pakistan, Nawaz grabbed 2 wickets whereas Yasir, Nauman, and Naseem all created a scalp.
Sri Lanka can resume their initial inning on the second day with the long try of Dickwella and watcher Dunith Wellalage on the crease.
It is price mentioning here that Pakistan beat Sri Lanka within the initial test by four wickets when a historic run-chase to travel one up within the series.
Pakistan has a 1-0 lead in the two-Tests series following their thrilling four-wicket winning in the series opener.
