SL Vs Pak, 1st Test: Babar, Shafique Shine In Pakistan’s Historic Victory Over Sri Lanka

SL Vs Pak, 1st Test: Pakistan scripted history as they defeated Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in the 1^st Test at Galle International Stadium on Wednesday. Chasing the target of 342, Pakistan chased the target on the 5^th Day, in the 2^nd session, on the back of an unbeaten 160 by Abdullah Shafique, and 55 by captain Babar Azam.

The chase has been historic as it is the highest ever target chased at the Galle International Stadium. Also, with his unbeaten 160, Abdullah Shafique has scored the highest individual score for any Pakistani batsman in the 4^th innings of a Test Match. The record was previously held by Saleem Malik, who, too, scored his 155 against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, in April 1997.

Prabath Jayasuriya was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped 4 wickets in the second innings but lacked support from the other end and the Pakistani batsman exploited that to cruise past the Lankan Lions. In the last two test matches, Jayasuriya has bowled 147.2 overs and has taken 19 wickets.

Abdullah Shafique was delighted with his phenomenal innings and is coming out as a big batsman outside of Pakistan’s own Fab-four of Babar Azam, Imam-Ul Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman. For his incredible innings, he was awarded the Man Of The Match award.

“I am happy that we were able to chase. Congratulations to the entire team for this record chase. Our plan was simple. We had to go get the runs. It was difficult but with time it was easier. Spinners with the new ball were slightly tough to play. Babar is one of the best in the world. We have learnt so much from him. I enjoyed batting with him in the middle,” said Shafique in the post-match interview.

Pakistan Captain, Babar Azam, too, was pleased with his side’s performance and the support they provided when their side collapsed in the first innings.

“First innings we did well with the ball. I should thank the tailenders for the support they game me, especially Naseem Shah. We know how to play spin so we believed. Me and Abdullah were just trying to build a partnership. As a youngster, he is showing a lot of class. Really pleasing to see him perform well,” said Pakistan’s skipper.

Pakistan take an unassailable 1-0 lead and will look to get the job done in the second and final Test against Sri Lanka, to be played from July 24-July28, at the same venue.