The exploit from Shafique came after Pakistan resumed their innings at 178/2 on Day 3. The right-handed batter scored a breathtaking 201 runs off 326 deliveries, including 19 boundaries and four sixes. He displayed remarkable composure and determination throughout his innings, putting the Sri Lankan bowlers completely on the back foot.
Shafique was well supported by Agha Salman, and the duo batted brilliantly to help visitors build a substantial lead on Sri Lanka’s 166-run first-innings total. Salman (132) even went on to slam a century after Shafique’s departure on 201, stretching the Pakistan’s lead margin to 397 runs. Salman finished the day unbeaten alongside Mohammad Rizwan (37) with Pakistan 563/5 until stumps.
Although Shafique was dismissed soon after completing his double century, he etched his name in the history book with his remarkable innings. The 23-year-old became the 11th Pakistani cricketer to score a double century in Test format. Shafique also became just the second batter for Pakistan after compatriot Saud Shakeel to score a double ton on Sri Lankan soil. Shakeel reached the milestone in the same series during the opening Test a few days back.
Shafique’s knock turned out to be a treat for the fans, and they were left spellbound by the batter’s skill and elegance. Cricket enthusiasts from all over the world showered praise and admiration on the Pakistani batter following his terrific double hundred.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Time to give some standing ovation to Abdullah Shafiq for his great knock. He becomes the 11th Pakistani batter to score double century in Test Cricket#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/lrPicpV3gK
— Shahzaib Ali(@DSBcricket) July 26, 2023
Maiden double century for Abdullah Shafique in Test cricket
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 26, 2023
runs
balls
fours
sixes
Keep shining on @imabd28#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/FIldDwkMdd
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 26, 2023
Congratulations
Double Hundred for Abdullah Shafiq.
Will go along way in his promising career.
Pakistan quite upfront piling up hefty lead against Sri Lanka#PAKvsSL #SLvPAK
— AdvocateNazar (@nazarulislam71) July 26, 2023
What an outstanding double hundred from the talented Abdullah Shafiq . First Pakistani opener to score a 200 in srilanka, what a player he is#PAKvsSL #SLvsPAK pic.twitter.com/2OQYYdYxTJ
— Laibayyyyy
Abdullah Shafique reaches maiden Test double century
He's only 23 years of age, he has 4 50s and 4 100+ scores in 26 Test innings already. What a player Ma Shaa Allah#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/8BHrCLbFTh
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) July 26, 2023
Another good day for Abdullah Shafiq fans who never doubt his skills
— Abdullah Salman (@AbdullahS2004) July 26, 2023
What a remarkable day for Pakistan cricket!
— Arshad Khan Tanoli (@Arshadkhan_ofcl) July 26, 2023
Double ton in just his 14th Test match
Take a bow, Abdullah Shafique
— 𝗭𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗔
Scored 200* in the comeback innings. only players like Abdullah Shafiq can do that. pic.twitter.com/PUPmfEsRrL
— Ibrahim
A classy double tôn by Abdullah Shafiq#PAKvsSL
— Anayat Ullah Raees (@anayatullah303) July 26, 2023
Abdullah Shafiq, The Man You Are!
Mr 360 has reannounced himself..
11th double centurion in Test Cricket for Pakistan
Mr 57 has arrived!
ABDULLAH SHAFIQ – Take a Bowpic.twitter.com/gf6qHf94s2
—(@skh_abeeha09) July 26, 2023
Abdullah Shafiq
What a player and What a knock!
Take a bow!
A double Century of the highest quality!! #PAKvsSL pic.twitter.com/H6DKMUReJf
— Saifullah Khan (@Saif_Speaks66) July 26, 2023
What an outstanding double hundred from the talented Abdullah Shafiq . First Pakistani opener to score a 200 in srilanka, what a player he is
— Laibayyyyy
Forget the old ABD
The new ABD in town
Abdullah Shafiq
Thats the tweet#SLvPAK #SLvsPAK #PAKvsSL
—Azam-K (@Azamk555) July 26, 2023
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.