SL vs PAK: Pakistan’s cricket team marked a dominant start to their World Test Championship campaign, securing a comprehensive four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle on Thursday.
With this triumph, Pakistan has joined India at the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings, both boasting a 100 percent win-percentage after one match each in the new cycle.
Chasing a modest target of 131 runs for victory, Pakistan’s batsmen displayed composure and control, making the task look effortless despite losing three wickets on the final morning. Imam-ul-Haq led the charge with an unbeaten half-century (50*), supported by Agha Salman (6*), as they guided Pakistan to the win before lunch.
Having missed out on qualifying for the recent World Test Championship Final (2021-23), where Australia emerged victorious against India at The Oval, Babar Azam’s side is determined to make their mark in the new cycle.
With the early success in Galle, Pakistan sets their sights on maintaining their unbeaten record when they lock horns with Sri Lanka in the second Test, set to commence in Colombo on Monday. The team’s potent blend of experienced campaigners and young talents promises to keep cricket fans on the edge of their seats throughout the championship.
Earlier, Saud Shakeel played an incredible knock of 208* to put Pakistan in a commanding position on day 3. Sri Lanka were 149 runs behind already in the third innings and despite scoring 289 runs in the third innings, they could only give a 131 runs target.
Pakistani captain Babar Azam had ordinary performances with the bat in both innings but a number of Pakistani youngsters stood up and took the opportunity to do well with both bat and ball. Abrar Ahmed and Saud Shakeel alone did 50% of the job for the team. Former took six wickets in the match while latter scored total 338 runs in the match.
Both teams will meet again for the second test in Colombo starting from July 24.
