Gaul: After going through some odd moments, Pakistan took an early lead in the two-match series by defeating Sri Lanka (Pakistan vs Sri Lanka) by four wickets in the first Test cricket match here on Thursday. Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals but opener Imam-ul-Haq (50 not out) held one end and brought up his eighth half-century in Test cricket. With this, Pakistan won before lunch on the fifth day.
Sri Lanka won the toss and scored 312 runs while batting first, in response to which Pakistan scored 461 runs in their first innings. Sri Lanka scored 279 runs in their second innings and set a target of 131 runs to win against Pakistan. Pakistan, however, did not start well and were struggling at 48 for three at the end of the fourth day’s play.
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Pakistan needed 83 runs to win on the fifth and final day but this ground has bitter memories attached to it in 2009. Chasing a target of 168, Pakistan then needed 97 runs on the final day with eight wickets in hand but were bowled out for 117.
A comprehensive victory for Pakistan to go 1-0 up in the series 🔥#WTC25 , #SLvPAK , : https://t.co/qRhuecxfHM pic.twitter.com/tplOpnnAKj
— ICC (@ICC) July 20, 2023
Babar Azam (24) added 41 runs for the fourth wicket with Imam and then reaching the target seemed a mere formality. But Prabath Jayasuriya raised Sri Lanka’s hopes by dismissing the Pakistani captain lbw. Saud Shakeel (30), who scored a double century in the first innings, shared a 43-run partnership with Imam for the fifth wicket.
However, he handed over a catch to the wicketkeeper off the bowling of Ramesh Mendis. Jayasuriya took his fourth wicket by getting Sarfaraz Ahmed (01) caught by Kushal Mendis. Imam held one end and hit four fours and a six in his 84-ball innings.
When Pakistan needed four runs to win, Agha Salman stepped into the crease and hit Jayasuriya for a six over long-off to take the team to the target. Pakistan scored 133 runs for six wickets. Shakeel was adjudged player of the match for scoring a double century in the first innings. The second Test match will start in Colombo from Monday.(Agency)
