Rain interruptions mar second day of historic Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka

Sport360 staff 16:00 12/12/2019
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  • The historic Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi seems to be heading towards a tame draw after rain and a wet outfield wiped out most of the play possible on the second day.

    Bad light had stopped play early on the opening day with Sri Lanka reaching 202-5 before stumps were drawn. On Thursday, just over 18 overs of play were possible before the umpires finally called stumps due to another disruption by poor light.

    In those 18 overs, Sri Lanka managed to add 61 runs to their first-innings total but they lost the wicket of a well-set Niroshan Dickwella (33) who was caught at gully off the bowling of Shaheen Afridi.

    Meanwhile, all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on a well-crafted 72 and he will be key for the visitors when they resume their innings at 263-6 on Friday.

    The Test, which is the first of two scheduled clashes between the two sides, is a historic one for Pakistan. It is the first ever Test match being held on Pakistan soil in over a decade, with Sri Lanka incidentally being the last visitors to play a red-ball game in the country in 2009.

    Earlier on day one, Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and elected to bat first. He then went on to forge a strong 96-run stand for the first wicket alongside Oshada Fernando before he was pinned lbw by Shaheen Afridi.

    Pakistan’s all-pace attack was on fire in the second session of the day with the visitors ultimately reduced to 127-4. Young pacer Naseem Shah accounted for two of the wickets to fall on the opening day while Mohammad Abbas and debutant Usman Shinwari snared one wicket apiece.

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