COLOMBO: Abdullah Shafique scored a sensational century and put Pakistan in sheer control with a massive 107-run first-innings lead over Sri Lanka at Lunch on Day 3 of the ongoing second Test.
Pakistan, resuming their first innings at an overnight score of 178/2, enjoyed a fruitful opening session of Day 3 despite their captain Babar Azam’s dismissal as the touring side acquired a dominating 107-run lead.
Pakistan’s pair, batting since the last session of the opening day, finally got broken in the early half of day three’s opening session when Prabath Jayasuriya, once again, dismissed Pakistan captain Babar.
The left-arm spinner trapped Babar Azam plumb in front to draw a much-needed success for Sri Lanka while the Pakistan captain fell just 11 short of his half-century.
He scored 39 off 75 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and a six.
Pakistan were 210/3 in response to Sri Lanka’s 166 when Pakistan’s first match hero Saud Shakeel walked out to bat.
The in-form batter wasted no time adapting to the conditions and soon put on an important partnership for the touring side.
Saud and Abdullah had added an unbeaten 63 runs amid their fourth-wicket partnership before Lunch.
At the stroke of Lunch, Abdullah Shafique was unbeaten on 137 while Saud was 32 not out.
Notably, Rain played spoilsport on the second day of the ongoing second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Only 10 overs of action was possible on an important second day due to persistent downpour.
Pakistan were 178/2 and had a 12-run lead when the rain intervened.
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