1st Test: Pakistan lose three wickets in 131-run chase against Sri Lanka | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The chase of 131 runs proved to be challenging as Pakistan lost three wickets on day four of the rain-affected opening Test against Sri Lanka. The spin duo of Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed played a crucial role in bundling out the hosts for 279.
At the end of the day’s play in Galle, Pakistan reached 48-3, requiring a further 83 runs to secure the lead in the two-match series. Imam-ul-Haq, standing strong on 25, and captain Babar Azam, yet to make an impact at six, were holding the crease.
The left-arm spinner, Prabath Jayasuriya, made a significant impact by dismissing two Pakistani batsmen. Abdullah Shafique fell prey to a catch behind the wickets after contributing eight runs, while Shan Masood was dismissed for seven.
Noman was sent in as nightwatchman but he was run out on nought.
Sri Lanka’s first-innings centurion Dhananjaya de Silva top-scored with 82 before the Pakistan bowlers combined to dismiss the hosts in the final session of the day.

Left-armer Noman and fellow spinner Abrar took three wickets each and, along with Agha Salman’s two wickets, struck regular blows.
Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi snared another two to help clean up the tail.
De Silva, who scored 122 in Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 312, built key partnerships including a 76-run seventh-wicket stand with Ramesh Mendis, who made 42.
Shaheen, a left-arm quick, finally got de Silva caught behind with a rising delivery after Pakistan took the second new ball.
Shaheen got his second before Abrar ended the innings.
Salman sent back Dinesh Chandimal for 28 to break a 60-run stand with de Silva and then Samarawickrama for 11 to put Sri Lanka in trouble, but de Silva stood firm.
Abrar struck first earlier with his leg spin to send back skipper Dimuth Karunaratne for 20 to check Sri Lanka’s brisk start.
Batsman Saud Shakeel has remained the star for Pakistan so far with his unbeaten first-innings 208 — his maiden Test double century — in his team’s 461 all out on day three.
Shakeel’s marathon knock handed Pakistan a handy lead of 149 as rain interrupted play on the first three days.
Rain stayed away on day four, which started late due to a damp patch on the field.
(With AFP Inputs)