Sri Lanka – Pakistan 1st Test Pakistan go one-up in test series

By M. Shamil Amit - Reporting from Galle

Sri Lanka failed in their bid to record a sensational win in the first Test against Pakistan in Galle yesterday, with the visitors needing just 17 overs to chase down the remaining 83 runs for a four-wicket win that gave them a 1-0 lead in the Test series.

Right from the start of play Pakistan’s batsmen showed intent, with Azam hitting two boundaries in the first over of the day, partnering with Imam-Ul-Haq to wipe 30 runs from the equation from the opening 30 balls.

The completion of the chase was not without its hiccups, as spinner Jayasuriya got rid of Azam in the sixth over of the day.

Overnight batsman Ul-Haq held on to share a 41-run stand for the fourth wicket with Azam.

Top scorer in the first innings Saud Shakeel along with ul-Haq looked to complete the task for the visitors as the pair shared a valuable 43 runs for the fifth wicket when they were separated after Shakeel’s contribution of 30 made in 38 that included six boundaries.

Meanwhile, Ul-Haq, who was on 47 at the fall of the fifth wicket with Pakistan on 122 for 5, reached his half ton which took him 84 balls that comprised four boundaries and a six and with Pakistan needing a further nine runs for victory.

Sharfraz Ahmed was dismissed, but Agha Salman who came in next steered Pakistan to a four-wicket win with a massive six off Jayasuriya who finished with four scalps.
Shakeel for his unbeaten double ton which was his first of his career was adjudged the player of the match.

For Pakistan it was their first Test win in a year, their last victory also coming at the Galle International Stadium exactly on July 20.

Top scorer in the first innings Saud Shakeel along with ul-Haq looked to complete the task for the visitors as the pair shared a valuable 43 runs for the fifth wicket when they were separated after Shakeel’s contribution of 30 made in 38 that included six boundaries