Pakistan pile on runs before striking early against Sri Lanka
The visitors still have 320 runs to catch up on, in the first innings of the Rawalpindi Test.
Pakistan strengthened their position in the opening ICC World Test Championship contest against Sri Lanka, piling on the runs before making early inroads into the visitors' batting line-up on Day 2 in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka ended the day on 114/3, still trailing by 320 runs.
Left-hander Saud Shakeel was the star for Pakistan with a well compiled innings of 93, while four of his teammates also reached their half-century.
While disappointed he couldn't complete his century milestone, Shakeel believes his side is still well placed for victory with plenty of assistance still in the pitch for the bowlers should they perform well.
“You get too disappointed when you don’t complete a milestone (century),” Shakeel said. “The ball came too quick and probably that’s why I got out.
“Spin might come into play if there’s wear and tear on the wicket, but I don’t think reverse swing will come into play because of the lush green outfield.”
Sri Lanka fielding and spin coach Jordan Gregory said his team bowled without much luck, but thinks his team is still in a good spot with experienced duo Kamindu Mendis (40) and Dhananjaya de Silva (22) unbeaten at the crease.
"There are about 140 chances that have missed the edge and beaten the bat from both sides, so probably says enough that there’s a chance of a result,” Gregory said.
“So far Kamindu and DDS have put on a good partnership and we would like to see that partnership progress.”
Resuming their first innings at 281/5 on Day 2, Pakistan continued to build on the strong platform established on the opening day, with contributions from the lower order helping them move past the 400-run mark.
Shakeel added to his overnight progress before falling seven runs short of a century. The left-hander made 93 before Kusal Mendis took a fine catch off Asitha Fernando.
Ghazi Ghori also made a valuable contribution with a well-compiled 48, combining with Shaeel for a 96-run sixth-wicket partnership. However, his innings came to an end when he was caught off Dilshan Madushanka.
Arafat Minhas provided further impetus from No.9, producing an impressive 52 to help Pakistan reach a commanding total. The hosts eventually declared at 434/9.
Fernando and Madushanka were Sri Lanka's standout performers with the ball, claiming three wickets apiece, with figures of 3/107 and 3/108 respectively.
Sri Lanka got off to a disastrous start as Mohammad Abbas and Saqib Khan struck in quick succession, removing Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Dinesh Chandimal in the third and fourth overs respectively to leave the visitors reeling at 12/2.
Lahiru Udara attempted to steady the innings, scoring 42 and putting together a 53-run partnership with Kamindu Mendis. However, Saqib returned to dismiss the opener, who edged one through to Ghori behind the stumps.
Kamindu Mendis and de Silva then provided much-needed resistance, adding 62 runs for the fourth wicket to keep Sri Lanka's innings moving.
Mendis remained unbeaten on 40, while de Silva was 22 not out when bad light brought an early end to proceedings on Day 2 in Rawalpindi.
Meanwhile, the second Test of the series has been switched and will now be played in Rawalpindi after increasing smog levels in Lahore forced the move.
Series schedule:
First Test: 9-13 November, Rawalpindi
Second Test: 17-21 November, Rawalpindi
