Pakistan triumphed over Sri Lanka by four wickets on the concluding day of the first Test match held in Galle on Thursday. Thanks to Saud Shakeel’s double century in the first innings, Pakistan secured a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Resuming their chase of a 131-run target, Pakistan stood at 48-3, with Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq taking the field. Azam contributed 24 runs off 28 balls, including five boundaries, before succumbing to Prabath Jayasuriya’s bowling.
Unfortunately, Shakeel couldn’t carry his bat until the end, falling after scoring 30 runs from 38 deliveries. Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq played a pivotal role, remaining unbeaten on 50 runs, which featured four fours and a six.
Entering the scene, Agha Salman promptly hit a six off his first ball, enabling Pakistan to reach their target.
Top Performances and Highlights from the Match
In the previous day’s final session, Jayasuriya dismissed two top-order Pakistani batsmen, Abdullah Shafique (8) and Shan Masood (7). Nightwatchman Nauman Ali got caught while attempting an ill-advised second run during this period.
Sri Lanka wrapped up their second innings on the fourth day with 279 runs, setting Pakistan a victory target of 131 runs. Pakistani bowlers Abrar Ahmed and Nauman Ali took the spotlight, claiming three wickets each, while Shaheen Afridi and Agha Salman secured two.
Dhananjaya de Silva stood out from Sri Lanka’s side, replicating his first-innings century with 82 runs.
Of particular note, Saud Shakeel achieved his maiden double century in Tests, contributing to Pakistan’s 149-run lead over Sri Lanka in the first Test interrupted by rain. Shakeel, remaining unbeaten on 208, was instrumental in a frustrating 94-run ninth-wicket stand with Naseem Shah, who scored six off 78 balls.
The match’s highlight was Shakeel’s 177-run partnership with Agha Salman, who scored 83, resurrecting Pakistan’s hope after falling to 101-5 in response to Sri Lanka’s 312. With a five-wicket haul, Spinner Ramesh Mendis emerged as the most successful bowler from Sri Lanka’s side.
