COLOMBO: Pakistan’s red-ball squad, led by Babar Azam, reached here on Friday to play the final Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to commence on July 24.

After a successful show in Galle in the first Test, the Men in Green are now just one win away from completing a series sweep over Sri Lanka in their backyard since 1994.

Pakistan’s squad reached here on Friday afternoon and will kick off their preparation for the second and final Test on Saturday.

 

Before commencing the preparation for the second Test, the touring contingent will enjoy a rest day today.

In the first Test, Saud Shakeel’s first-innings double century remained in the spotlight as Pakistan edged Sri Lanka by four wickets to script a winning start to their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign.

Set to chase a modest total, 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 Imam-ul-Haq 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.

Saud Shakeel was equally impressive in the run chase as he tackled Sri Lanka’s spin attack with the utmost domination and backed his first-innings 208* with 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.

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