In the final session, Sri Lanka managed to dismiss the Pakistani team for 461 runs. However, the hosts had to endure a frustrating ninth-wicket partnership of 94 runs between Shakeel, who remained unbeaten on a remarkable 208, and Naseem Shah, who contributed six runs off 78 deliveries.
The 27-year-old Shakeel, appearing in his sixth Test match, showcased his batting prowess as he confidently cut Dhananjaya de Silva for a boundary to reach the double century mark, receiving a well-deserved standing ovation for his remarkable achievement.
The hosts ended the day on 14 for no loss after bad light stopped another rain-affected day. Sri Lanka still trail Pakistan by 135 runs in their second innings.
Nishan Madushka, on eight, and skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, on six, were batting at close of play.
The Sri Lankan bowlers led by off-spinner Ramesh Mendis, who ended with a five-wicket haul, hit back in the second session but Shakeel combined with the lower-order including a 52-run seventh-wicket stand with Noman Ali, who made 25.
But it was his 177-run partnership with Agha Salman, who hit 83, that drove Pakistan’s bounce back from 101-5 in their reply to Sri Lanka’s 312.
Shakeel was dropped twice on 93 and 139 as he went past his previous best of 125 not out.
Both Shakeel and Salman scored runs briskly and hit regular boundaries but the run rate dipped after Salman’s departure.
The day started late due to rain, which affected play on the previous two days, prompting officials to re-adjust the session timings.
(With AFP Inputs)
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