Pakistan emerged victorious over Sri Lanka in the second match of the two-match Test series. The victory was largely attributed to spinner Nauman Ali’s exceptional performance, which saw him dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting line-up.
The fourth day of the second Test in Colombo began with Pakistan declaring their first innings with a commanding lead of 410 runs. Sri Lanka, having lost openers Nishan Madushka and captain Dimuth Karunaratne, were left trailing by 311 runs with a score of 99 for two in their second innings.
Pakistan’s first innings declaration came after they amassed a total of 576 runs on the fourth day of the final Test. Key contributions came from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, who were at the crease when play resumed. Rizwan completed his eighth Test fifty, while Agha remained unbeaten on 132, further extending Pakistan’s lead.
The third day of the Test had seen Abdullah Shafique score his maiden double century, putting Pakistan in a dominant position. At the end of the day, Pakistan had reached 563 for five in 132 overs, leading by 397 runs.
Despite losing captain Babar Azam early on the second day, Saud Shakeel stepped up, scoring a half-century and adding 109 runs for the fourth wicket alongside Shafique. Shakeel’s feat of six half-centuries in seven Test matches, including two centuries, is a record in itself.
After Shakeel’s departure, Sarfaraz Ahmed was hit on the head by a bouncer from Asitha Fernando and had to leave the field. He was replaced by Mohammad Rizwan as a concussion substitute. Shafique eventually scored 201 off 326 balls before returning to the pavilion. Agha and Rizwan then formed an unbroken partnership of 95 runs for the sixth wicket, with Agha’s unbeaten knock of 132 coming off 148 balls.
