In a spectacular display of skill and determination, Pakistan emerged victorious in a convincing manner against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday. Naseem Shah’s well-deserved three wickets in the second innings led to Sri Lanka being bowled out for 188 runs, sealing an impressive victory by an innings and 222 runs.
The right-arm pacer, Naseem Shah, set the tone with his exceptional performance, paving the way for Nauman Ali, who was equally brilliant with his spell of 7-70. Nauman, aged 36, made a solid comeback amidst all the criticism and showcased his prowess by dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting line-up after they were trailing by 410 runs.
Pakistan’s first innings concluded at a formidable 576-5, with Mohammad Rizwan’s half-century sealing the declaration soon after the start of the fourth day. Nauman Ali’s spin attack provided an early breakthrough that restricted Sri Lanka to 81-1 before lunch. Post-lunch, Nauman continued to wreak havoc, claiming five more wickets in quick succession.
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Well played, boys ????#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/PdDIAy76Uy
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 27, 2023
Before tea, Nauman’s exceptional performance saw him take all six wickets, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 143-6. Following tea, Naseem Shah joined the hunt for a wicket, although it took some time for him to make his mark. He faced an overturned ‘out’ decision but ultimately secured his first wicket in the innings. Meanwhile, Nauman Ali was on the verge of setting a world record by bagging all ten wickets in an innings.
Eventually, Naseem Shah displayed his prowess, taking the last three wickets in a row and completing Pakistan’s commanding victory.
Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews put up a brave fight, scoring an unbeaten 63 runs, including seven boundaries and two maximums.
On the fourth day, Pakistan’s Rizwan and Agha Salman resumed the innings at 563-5. Rizwan quickly completed his half-century before captain Babar Azam called for the declaration. Rizwan’s eighth fifty in Test cricket came as he replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed, who suffered a concussion and had to walk off the field on the third day after being struck on the helmet on the first ball he faced.
Rizwan and Agha Salman added 13 runs together on the fourth day, helping Pakistan extend their lead to a significant 410 runs. Agha Salman’s exceptional performance on the third day saw him scoring an unbeaten 132 runs in just 148 balls, including 15 fours and a six. In the same match, Abdullah Shafique scored his maiden double-hundred, adding to Pakistan’s impressive display of cricketing prowess.
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