Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Pakistan takes a magnificent 1-0 lead in the series after winning the 1st Test by 4 wickets.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test has come to an end where Pakistan has finally managed to win a test match after a drought of exactly one year. Pakistan’s last test victory came against the same very opposition on the same ground and surprisingly on the same day (20^th July 2022). Pakistan chased down a mammoth total of 340+ without much trouble. This time, Pakistan had to chase a target of mere 132, which Pakistan was able to chase after the loss of 6 wickets. Brief acount of Day 5 play between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is given below.

1^st Session – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 1^st Test – Day 5

Pakistan resumed their innings from last day score of 48-3. First hour of the match was crucial as Pakistan had struggled at the start of the innings. Given Pakistan cricket team’s unpredictable nature, any result was on the card. However, Babar and Imam resumed their innings with a positive intent, taking the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers. Babar scored with a strike rate of 80+, hitting five fours in his innings. Both players added 41 for the 4^th wicket partnership before Babar was trapped again by Prabath Jayasuriya in front of stumps. Babar scored 24 runs. Pakistan were now 79-4.

Next man in was the in form Saud Shakeel, who scored a double ton in the previous innings. Saud continued his form and played some delightful shots, putting pressure back on Sri Lankan bowlers. Imam and Saud added some quick runs to the total to take the game away from Sri Lanka. But just when Pakistan was 9 runs away from winning the match, Saud was dismissed by Mendis for 30 who was caught behind. Saud couldn’t take his test average above 100 who had an average of 98 before getting out in this innings. Pakistan added 43 runs for the 5^th wicket partnership. Sarfaraz was the new man in at the crease.

Meanwhile, Imam kept one end safe and scored a gritty fifty on a difficult day to bat. But Pakistan gave away another wicket just when they were on the brink of victory. Sarfaraz was dismissed on 1, who was caught behind off the bowling of Jayasuriya who took his 4^th wicket. Pakistan needed 5 runs to win now. In came Agha Salman, who finished the match by hitting a six of his very first ball he faced. Pakistan won this match by 4 wickets.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 1st Test – Summary

Saud Shakeel was declared man of the match for his brilliant double century in the first innings scoring 208 not out. He came to bat when Pakistan was in all sorts of trouble. He took the charge and scored a double century in just his 6^th Test match. He has an outstanding average of 90 after 6 tests which is the 2^nd highest in test cricket history. He could’ve crossed the benchmark of 100 if he had remained not out. Nevertheless, Saud has been performing consistently since his Test debut last year vs England. But after his performance in this match, the rise of Saud Shakeel may have begun.

Shaheen Afridi’s comeback into the team would be a great relief for Pakistan as they were in dire need of their strike and currently senior most fast bowler. Shaheen performed well and took 5 wickets in the match on his return to Test cricket against Sri Lanka after being ruled out of test team due to injury which he sustained on the very same ground against the same opposition.

Fielding and catching proved to be one of the major factors between both sides. Pakistan took some outstanding catches in this match at crucial points. On the other hand, Sri Lanka dropped very easy chances which cost them dearly later.

Also Read : Can Pakistan win a test series in Sri Lanka after 8 years? – Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka – 2023

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 2nd Test at Colombo

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka’s 2^nd Test match of the series will begin on 24^th July 2023 at Colombo (SSC). Pakistan will be setting its eyes for a series win against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka after 8 long years. The last time Pakistan won a test series in Sri Lanka was back in 2015. Fans will be expecting a cracking clash between Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at Colombo.

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FAQs

1. When did Pakistan last win a Test match before this victory, and who was their opponent?

– Pakistan last won a Test match exactly one year before this victory, against Sri Lanka, on the same ground, and on the same date (20th July 2022).

2. How did the 1st session on Day 5 of the 1st Test unfold, and which players made significant contributions?

– In the 1st session, Pakistan resumed their innings at 48-3. Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq played positively, adding 41 runs for the 4th wicket partnership. However, Babar got out for 24, and the partnership continued with Saud Shakeel and Imam adding 43 runs for the 5th wicket. Saud Shakeel played impressively but was dismissed for 30.

3. Who was named the “Man of the Match” in the 1st Test, and why?

– Saud Shakeel was named the “Man of the Match” for his exceptional double century in the first innings, where he scored an unbeaten 208 runs.

4. Why was Shaheen Afridi’s return to the Test team significant for Pakistan?

– Shaheen Afridi’s return to the Test team was significant because he is Pakistan’s senior fast bowler and a crucial strike bowler. He performed well in the match, taking 5 wickets on his comeback after being sidelined due to injury.

5. What is the focus for Pakistan in the 2nd Test match against Sri Lanka, and when will it take place?

– Pakistan’s focus in the 2nd Test match against Sri Lanka is to secure a series win in Sri Lanka, a feat they have not achieved in eight years. The 2nd Test will commence on 24th July 2023 in Colombo.