Pakistan, leading the two-match series 1-0, displayed excellent teamwork as Shafique and Masood put on a second-wicket partnership of 108 runs. Their aggressive approach put Sri Lanka on the back foot and set the foundation for Pakistan’s strong position.
The day began with Sri Lanka winning the toss and opting to bat. However, the Pakistani bowlers proved their mettle as leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed (4/69) and fast bowler Naseem Shah (3/41) wreaked havoc, sharing seven wickets between them.
Sri Lanka all-rounder Dhananjaya De Silva showed some resistance with a gritty knock of 57 runs off 68 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to make an impact. De Silva’s fifth-wicket partnership of 85 runs with Dinesh Chandimal (34 off 60) was one of the few bright spots for the home side.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Effects of Bobby Ball. 100 runs comes up for Pakistan in just 16.4 Overs.#PAKvSL | #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/VAbzmZpg6K
— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) July 24, 2023
A fighting knock – Dhananjaya de Silva emerged as the shining star for Sri Lanka in the first innings.#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/mfFjBLWbF7
— Sri Lanka Cricket(@OfficialSLC) July 24, 2023
Abdullah Shafique 5th Test fifty in 49 balls. pic.twitter.com/kYBMT8ZZxO
— Nawaz(@Rnawaz31888) July 24, 2023
Sadeera Samarawickrama
Dhananjaya de Silva
Asitha Fernando
Ramesh Mendis
Abrar Ahmed with a magical spell on Day One#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/xQewo4FZn9
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 24, 2023
Appreciation Tweet for Naseem Shah#PAKvSL #PakistanZindabad pic.twitter.com/Q910X5KvYn
— Akhtar Jamal (@AkhtarActivist) July 24, 2023
Complete effort from Pakistan to dismiss Srilanka for 166 in first innings at SSC
Abrar Ahmed 4/69
Naseem Shah 3/41
Pakistan now have golden opportunity to bat big take some lead and Srilanka to corner.#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/Sv3Bn4fX12
— Shahzaib Ali
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