Pakistan’s bowlers took eight wickets before tea on the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, as the hosts got off to a shaky start on Monday.
Sri Lanka could score only 140 runs till the 40th over of the first innings due to wickets falling after the scheduled intervals.
Naseem Shah has dominated with his solid composure and perfect line and length to take three wickets so far. Abrar, from the other end, has such a good partnership with the pacer that he manages to take two wickets.
The Pakistani players continued to shine with their brilliant fielding as Shaan Masood gave Pakistan an early lead by dismissing Nishan Madushka with a brilliant throw in the third over of the first day, who was unlucky as the throw at the striker’s end knocked off the stumps.
Later, Shan also removed Parbat Jayasuriya on the run-out to ensure Pakistan’s safe hands in the field.
Earlier, Shaheen Shah Afridi inflicted further damage on the hosts by removing Kosal Mendis in the seventh over, who won the toss and elected to bat first after an early morning rain delay.
It wasn’t long before Naseem Shah promised real havoc for Sri Lanka as he picked up back-to-back wickets. The right-arm pacer got Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne within his two overs around the 15th over.
Mathews (9) and Karunaratne (17) were the two experienced batsmen that Sri Lanka needed in tough times.
He then dismissed Chandimal in the 33rd over.
Abrar Ahmed then dismissed Samara Wickrama, Dhananjaya and Mendes in the space of just 4 overs.
