Shakeel’s outstanding performance in the ongoing Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has put his team in a commanding position. On the third day of the rain-affected match, Shakeel achieved his first double century in Test cricket, helping Pakistan establish a substantial lead of 149 runs.
During the final session, Sri Lanka managed to bowl out the Pakistani team for 461 runs. However, Shakeel’s unbeaten knock of 208, along with a resilient contribution of six runs from 78 balls by Naseem Shah in their ninth-wicket partnership, frustrated the Sri Lankan bowlers. Shakeel, playing in his sixth Test match, received a standing ovation from the crowd as he cut Dhananjaya de Silva for a boundary to reach his double century.
At the close of play, Sri Lanka had reached 14 runs without losing any wickets due to bad light and rain interruptions. They still trail Pakistan by 135 runs in their second innings. Nishan Madushka and captain Dimuth Karunaratne were at the crease, scoring eight and six runs respectively.
The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by off-spinner Ramesh Mendis, had a strong showing in the second session, with Mendis securing a five-wicket haul. However, Shakeel’s partnerships with the lower-order batsmen proved vital for Pakistan. He first had a 52-run partnership with Noman Ali, who contributed 25 runs. Then, Shakeel joined forces with Agha Salman, who scored a solid 83 runs, to resurrect Pakistan’s innings after a shaky start at 101-5 in response to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 312.
Shakeel displayed remarkable resilience throughout his innings, surviving two dropped catches on scores of 93 and 139. These missed opportunities allowed him to surpass his previous best score of 125 not out. Both Shakeel and Salman batted aggressively, scoring runs at a good pace and hitting regular boundaries. However, the run rate slowed down after Salman’s dismissal.
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Due to rain delays on the previous two days, the start of play was delayed. In order to compensate for lost time, officials adjusted the session timings.
As the match progresses, Pakistan will be eager to capitalize on their lead and put Sri Lanka under further pressure. Shakeel’s exceptional double century has given his team a significant advantage, and Pakistan will look to build on this in the remaining days of the Test match.
