Abdullah Shafique hit an unbeaten 158 as Pakistan on Wednesday defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the two match series.
Chasing a total of 342, Pakistan were 331 for six before rain interrupted proceeding on the final day in Galle. Abdullah Shafique was batting unbeaten on 154 while Mohammad Nawaz was also not out on 12. Earlier, Mohammad Rizwan was trapped LBW by Prabath Jayasuriya for 40 and the left-arm spinner then had Agha Salman caught behind for 12.
Pakistan were 298/5 at Lunch. In just the second over of the second session, Dhananjaya de Silva had Hasan Ali caught trying to go for a slog sweep. Pakistan were going smoothly in their chase on Tuesday until Babar Azam was dismissed by a stunning delivery from Jayasuriya, but Rizwan came in and ensured they did not lose any more wickets and finished at 222/3 at Stumps in their chase of 342.
After bowling Sri Lanka out for 337 in their second innings, Pakistan started their chase well before Sri Lanka got two quick wickets. However Babar (55) and Shafique’s 101-run stand put Pakistan in a commanding position.
Shafique finished the day unbeaten on 112. However, Sri Lanka know that a few quick wickets on a turning pitch on Day 5 can turn the game on its head.
