Key points
- Pakistan reached lunch at 390-6 on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, according to Business Recorder.
- Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten at 91 runs off 192 balls, moving close to his fifth Test century.
- Dilshan Madushanka claimed the sole wicket of the morning session, removing Ghazi Ghori for 48.
Pakistan advanced their innings steadily through a hard and green pitch in Rawalpindi, moving to 390-6 by the interval on the second day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka, according to Business Recorder. Left-hander Saud Shakeel anchored the morning session with a composed 91 not out, edging closer to what would be his fifth Test hundred.
Key details
Business Recorder reported that Pakistan resumed the day's play at 281-5. During an extended two-and-a-half-hour session, the team added runs while losing only one wicket. Ghazi Ghori contributed 48 runs before edging a delivery from Dilshan Madushanka to gully, where Pasindu Sooriyabandara secured a low catch. Arafat Minhas joined Shakeel at the crease and was not out on 27 at the break.
The partnership between Shakeel and Ghori yielded 96 runs for the sixth wicket. Despite Sri Lanka taking the second new ball after 80 overs and deploying their pace attack, bowlers found it difficult to break through on the surface. Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka were noted as the pick of the Sri Lanka bowling attack, finishing with figures of 2-87 and 2-97 respectively.
Context and impact
Sri Lanka entered the second day seeking early breakthroughs to curb Pakistan's momentum, but persistent batting resistance frustrated their bowling efforts. The match marks the opening fixture of the series between the two sides.
Summary and what next
With Shakeel nine runs shy of his century and Pakistan holding a strong total at lunch, the hosts will look to extend their advantage in the afternoon session. The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to take place in Lahore starting November 17, according to Business Recorder.