Shafique century consolidates Pakistan’s benefit
Lunch Pakistan 273 for 3 (Shafique 137*, Shakeel 32*, Asitha 2-70, Jayasuriya 1-95) lead Sri Lanka 166 by 107 runs
Pakistan prolonged their result in 107 by lunch on day three, with Abdullah Shafique unbeaten on 137 and Saud Shakeel on 32. The solely blemish for the guests within the morning session was the lack of Babar Azam, who was trapped leg earlier than by Prabath Jayasuriya – the sixth time he is dismissed the Pakistan skipper – for 39.
But regardless of having misplaced a whole day as a result of rain yesterday, the Pakistan Way on the third morning appeared to embody a much more measured method to the helter-skelter fashion employed on day one.
The in a single day pair of Shafique and Babar performed out 13 deliveries earlier than the primary runs have been scored, a boundary pulled behind sq.. They would then spend the subsequent 18 deliveries scoring simply two runs, earlier than Shafique struck consecutive boundaries off Asitha Fernando – a single two deliveries later introduced up his fourth Test century, the third by a Pakistan opener on the SSC.
Much of Pakistan’s conservatism this morning although might be put right down to the wicket beginning to present just a little extra favour in the direction of the spinners. Prior to Babar’s dismissal, Jayasuriya triggered him all method of issues, on a number of events beating the skin edge with sharp flip from simply outdoors off. But in trademark Jayasuriya fashion, it was the one occurring with the arm that may seize the breakthrough.
Sri Lanka might need had one other had Nishan Madushka held on to a pointy probability at brief leg off Saud Shakeel, however except for that it was a reasonably non-plussed effort from the 2 Pakistan batters. Both Shakeel and Shafique have been snug utilizing their toes, and although it was a sparingly employed technique, each discovered the straight boundary when wanted to ease any buildup of dot ball stress.
It did not assist the hosts trigger that Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Ramesh Mendis, struggled with constant strains and size. Only Jayasuriya supplied any kind of concerted probing, leading to him bowling 15 straight overs within the session.
In phrases of the climate, there may be extra rain anticipated in Colombo immediately, however Pakistan will doubtless really feel snug with the speed at which they’re stretching their lead.