ISLAMABAD: Saud Shakeel achieved his first-ever double-century in Test matches.As Pakistan extended their commanding lead to 149 runs against Sri Lanka on day three of the rain-affected opening match.
During the rain-affected opening match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Saud Shakeel displayed an outstanding performance, hitting his maiden double century in Test matches. He remains unbeaten on 208 runs, leading Pakistan to a total of 461 runs. Before being bowl out by Sri Lanka in the final session.
Shakeel’s exceptional innings support by a frustrating ninth-wicket partnership of 94 runs with Naseem Shah. who contributed six runs off 78 balls. This stand posed a challenge for the Sri Lankan bowlers. The 27-year-old Shakeel achieved his milestone by cutting Dhananjaya de Silva for a boundary, earning a well-deserved standing ovation.
After Sri Lanka’s second innings, which concluded at 14 for no loss due to bad light. They were trailing Pakistan by 135 runs. Nishan Madushka (eight runs) and skipper Dimuth Karunaratne (six runs) were the unbeaten batsmen at the end of the day.
Although, during the second session, the Sri Lankan bowlers, led by off-spinner Ramesh Mendis, fought back and secured a five-wicket haul. However, Shakeel’s partnerships with the lower-order batsmen.
However, It is including a 52-run stand with Noman Ali (who scored 25 runs). That helped Pakistan recover from a difficult position at 101-5 in response to Sri Lanka’s 312 runs.
Shakeel’s innings were marked by resilience and determination. He was dropped twice on 93 and 139, surpassing his previous best score of 125 not out.
His remarkable 177-run partnership with Agha Salman, who scored 83 runs, played a crucial role in Pakistan’s comeback. After Salman’s departure, the run rate slowed down.
In celebration of Shakeel’s double century, the team received “inspiring words from head coach Grant Bradburn,” as mentioned in a tweet by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
