Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: Record chase at Galle and other statistics from first Test – Firstcricket News, Firstpost

Galle: Abdullah Shafique hit a superb unbeaten 160 runs as Pakistan chased down a record target to go 1-0 up in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Pakistan had conceded a four-run lead after getting bundled out for 218 in their first innings. Hosts Sri Lanka then rode on Dinesh Chandimal’s unbeaten 94 as well as half-centuries from Kusal Mendis (76) and Oshada Fernando (64) to post 337 in their second innings.

Set a daunting 342 to win, Pakistan were off to a solid start with Shafique leading the way, forging an 87-run opening stand with Imam-ul-Haq (35).

After losing a couple of wickets in quick succession, Shafique was able to stabilise the chase with skipper Babar Azam (55) and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan (40), forging partnerships worth 101 and 71 respectively, putting the visitors on the front foot.

Looking back at the events of the first Test, we take a look at some of the key statistics from the game, starting with the record chase at Galle:

— The 342-run target chased by Pakistan is now the highest successful run chase at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.

— Abdullah Shafique is the first Pakistani cricketer to score a fourth innings century at Galle, and only the third overall.

— Shafique also has the most runs by a Pakistani cricketer after six Tests, having collected 720 runs in 11 innings at a stunning average of 80, scoring two centuries and four fifties along the way.

— The right hander is also the first in Test history to bat more than 500 minutes in a successful run chase, having stayed on for 524 minutes for his 160 not out.

— Yasir Shah has the third best strike rate (46.5) in the second innings of a Test among Pakistani bowlers, behind Shoaib Akhtar (39.3) and Waqar Younis (40.1).

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