SL vs PAK: Abdullah Shafique Leads The Way As Pakistan Register Their 2nd Highest Run Chase In Tests To Defeat Sri Lanka

Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique proved his worth at the top as he played a patient knock and held down the fort at one end to help his team chase down 342 against Sri Lanka in Galle.

It is their second-highest run chase in Test history and also the highest-ever run chase recorded in Galle. With the victory, they have taken a 1-0 lead in the 2-match series.

The Lankans were restricted to 222 in the first innings courtesy of an excellent all-round performance from the visitors. In response, Pakistan were in a precarious position at 85/7.

Their skipper, Babar Azam, proceeded to hang around with the tail and brought up his 7th hundred in Tests, ensuring they concede only a lead of four runs in the first innings.

Some better application from the Sri Lankans saw them put up 337 in the third innings. Dinesh Chandimal remained not out on 94 while Oshada Fernando (64) and Kusal Mendis (76) scored the fifties.

In the run chase, Pakistan got off to an excellent start as the openers put on 87 before Imam-ul-Haq was stumped albeit in a controversial fashion.

Shafique on the other hand carried through and stitched a crucial 101-run stand with Babar, who scored another fifty. They stumbled towards the end but Shafique ensured he gets his team over the line, eventually finishing on 160 off 408 balls.

Final scores between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, 1st Test:

Sri Lanka – 222 in 66.1 overs
Pakistan – 218 in 90.5 overs

Sri Lanka – 337 in 100 overs
Pakistan – 344/6 in 127.2 overs

Also Read – BCCI Will Contribute To The Construction Of An International Cricket Stadium In Varanasi; Estimated To Cost Rs 345 Crore