GALLE: Left-handed middle-order batter Saud Shakeel on Tuesday, became the first Pakistani batter to score a double century in Tests in Sri Lanka.

Saud Shakeel, who came out to bat when Pakistan were struggling at 101/5 on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test, impressed with his solid nerves and recovered his side with a record-breaking double century.

He has thus far scored 203 off 352 deliveries with the help of 19 boundaries.

With his double century, the left-handed batter became the Pakistani batter with the highest Test score in Sri Lanka, surpassing Mohammad Hafeez, who scored 196 in Colombo.

Amid his magnificent knock, he put on a marathon 177-run partnership with Salman Ali Agha, who also played a key role in his side’s recovery.

The right-handed batter had a disappointing end to his sensible knock as he fell just 17 runs short of his second Test century. His 113-ball 83 featured nine boundaries and a six.

Meanwhile, Saud Shakeel remained in the spotlight with his brave knock and put on vital partnerships with Noman Ali and Naseem Shah.

His brilliance, after recovering Pakistan from a dismal start, put the touring side in command of the Galle Test.

When this story was filed Pakistan were 460/9 in 121 overs with Saud Shakeel (207) and number 11 Abrar Ahmed unbeaten at the crease.

The touring side has gathered a massive 148-run first-innings lead over Sri Lanka with 15 overs left for the stumps.