- The win gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.
- Pakistan chased down a target of 131 runs to win the match by four wickets.
- The victory marks Pakistan’s first Test win since July 20, 2022.
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Pakistan’s Test cricket team ended their year-long winless streak with a victorious match against Sri Lanka in Galle on Thursday. It is worth noting that their last Test win was also in Galle on July 20, 2022. During the past year, Pakistan had suffered two losses and managed to draw four matches.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ended in Pakistan’s favor as they secured a four-wicket win, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The victory was largely attributed to Saud Shakeel’s exceptional double century in the first innings.
On the fifth and final day of the match, Pakistan resumed their run-chase of 131 runs with Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq on the crease. Azam scored 24 runs off 28 balls, including five fours, before being dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya. Saud Shakeel, who had a brilliant innings in the first innings, couldn’t stay at the crease till the end and was dismissed after scoring 30 runs in 38 balls.
Imam-ul-Haq played impressively, remaining unbeaten on 50 runs, which included four fours and a six. Agha Salman played a crucial role by hitting a six on the very first ball he faced, contributing to Pakistan’s victory.
Sri Lanka’s second innings ended with a total of 279 runs on day four, setting a target of 131 runs for Pakistan to win the match. In the rain-affected opening match, Saud Shakeel achieved his maiden double century in Tests, enabling Pakistan to take a significant 149-run lead against Sri Lanka.
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