GALLE: Saud Shakeel’s first-innings double century remained in the spotlight as Pakistan edged Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first Test and scripted a winning start to their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign.
Set to chase a modest, Sri Lanka spinner Prabath Jayasuriya made sure to make it a daunting one for the touring side by picking up four wickets including the prized scalp of Pakistan captain Babar Azam.
Pakistan’s left-handed opener batted sensibly in the tricky run chase and steered his side over the line with a gutsy half-century. He carried his bat all the way through for an unbeaten 50, laced with four boundaries and a six.
The touring side’s first-innings hero Saud Shakeel was equally impressive in the run chase as he tackled Sri Lanka’s spin attack with the utmost domination and played a crucial 30-run knock.
Shakeel, however, remained unlucky, as he fell caught behind off Ramesh Mendis when his side needed a mere nine to pull off a remarkable victory. He scored a 38-ball 30 with the help of six boundaries.
Jayasuriya then caused yet another stir in the pursuit when he got rid of Pakistan’s wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed, who could score a mere one.
But Imam and Salman Ali Agha (6*) batted sensibly to make sure there were no hiccups in Pakistan’s run chase.
Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq resumed Pakistan’s run chase at 48/3 on the final day and could add 31 runs more to their stand before Jayasuriya bettered his superior record against Babar to dismiss him plump in front.
Babar could score 24 off 28 deliveries with the help of five boundaries.
With a hard-fought victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test, Pakistan registered their first points in the WTC Standings.
Pakistan next face Sri Lanka in the second Test of the series in Colombo, scheduled to commence on July 24.