Twitter Reactions: Agha Salman and Saud Shakeel’s valiant effort saves Pakistan from crumbling on Day 2

Saud Shakeel (Photo Source: ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Day 2 of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan saw Dhananjaya de Silva completing his century after a shaky start from the home team. Courtesy of his brilliant show, the Dimuth Karunaratne-led side posted 312 runs on board. Batting at number 11, Vishwa Fernando played some superb cricket as his 21* runs off 28 deliveries can prove to be really valuable for Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, with the ball, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed picked up three wickets each as their collective effort helped Pakistan get a perfect start. However, when it came to their first innings with the bat, the Babar Azam-led side fell like a house of cards as they were 101 for five at one stage. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq failed to give the visiting team a good start and later on, the skipper himself and Sarfaraz Ahmed too walked back without making any significant contribution.

After being five wickets down, Agha Salman and Saud Shakeel took control of the situation and played some sensational cricket throughout the day. Both were aggressive in nature and that put Pakistan in the driver’s seat after the end of the day’s play. Shakeel finished the day, scoring 69* while Salman is batting on 61*. Based on their much-needed partnership, Pakistan posted 221 on Day 2 and are now 91 runs behind the Lankan Lions.

Day 3 is going to be extremely important for both teams as it can very well decide the fate of the match. Pakistan will be aiming to take the lead and put the home team under pressure. Meanwhile, Prabath Jayasuriya, who picked up three wickets on the second day, will be hoping to keep up with the momentum and not let Pakistan gain any more advantage. Thus, he will be really key for the home team going forward. Notably, rain once again played a spoilsport on Day 2 and the same can be expected in the evening of Day 3.

Here’s how Twitter reacted – 

Poor Captaincy from Babar Merchants are crying in the Corner, as Babar Azam Promised before the series that he would take Pakistan cricket to new highs, and Pakistan Team is Showing intent🔥♥️. #BabarAzam #PAKvsSL #SLvPAK #PAKvSL #SLvsPAK pic.twitter.com/FZysdVT2hy

— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) July 17, 2023

Poor Captaincy Merchants in Mud. Under Babar Azam’s captaincy, Pakistan Team is showing intent which is not a good sign for his haters.
#PAKvsSL #SLvsPAK #BabarAzam #BabarAzam𓃵 #PAKvSL

📷 #PAKvsSL pic.twitter.com/DI6gBDiL5a

— ZIA Khalil (@ZIA_Khalil_) July 17, 2023

Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman! What a fight back! Brilliant!#PAKvsSL

— Ehsan Malik (@ehsan_ashar) July 17, 2023

Sarfaraz Ahmad completed his 3000 runs in Test Cricket. Well, Done, Kaptaan G 💯👏. #SarfarazAhmad #PakvSL #SLvPAK #PAKvsSL pic.twitter.com/DfSjkPKYQv

— saeed rajput (@SaeedRa77896345) July 17, 2023

1st Test Day 2, Stumps
🇱🇰 🆚️ 🇵🇰
Pakistan 2️⃣2️⃣1️⃣-5️⃣ After 4️⃣5️⃣overs.
Saud Shakeel 6️⃣9️⃣* runs 8️⃣8️⃣ from balls.
Salman Ali Agha 6️⃣1️⃣* runs from 8️⃣4️⃣ balls.
Pakistan trail by 9️⃣1️⃣runs. #PAKvsSL #PakistanCricket #WTC25