Srilankan Batsman. (Photo Source: Twitter)
At the close of Day 1, Sri Lanka concluded with a score of 242 runs in the first match of the two-Test series. The two sides squared off at the Galle International Stadium, kickstarting their campaigns in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.
Notably, Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi made his return to the red-ball setup exactly after a year, having played his last Test in July 2022. Dimuth Karunaratne made the right call during the toss and decided to put up a total on the board.
What followed was Shaheen Afridi landing the first blow of the day as he got the vital scalp of Nishan Madushka for just four off nine balls. In the process, the pace merchant claimed his 100th wicket in Test cricket upon his return. Shaheen further got the wickets of Kusal Mendis and skipper Dimuth Karunaratne in quick time as the Lankan Lions were reduced to 53/3.
In the middle order, seasoned batter Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva decided to push through and remain solid at the crease in order to get the derailed side back on track. The pair added a brilliant 131-run partnership to get back into the contest.
However, spinner Abrar Ahmed drew curtains on Mathews’ innings, as the latter holed one out to the keeper, getting a slight deflection which sent him packing for 64 runs off 109 balls. The veteran batter walked back to the pavilion in an innings which featured nine boundaries.
Dinesh Chandimal’s stay at the crease did not last too long as he played just six balls and scored a solitary run. Meanwhile, the covers came on as the rain gods made their presence felt thereby interrupting play. However, with the stoppage of showers, the match officials decided to play out a couple of overs before calling stumps.
Dhananjaya (94* off 157 balls) continued his fine knock and kept the Islanders steady as he raised another vital partnership with Sadeera Samarawickrama of 57 runs. With this, Sri Lanka concluded with 242 runs at the close of Day 1 with six wickets down.
Here’s how Twitter reacted on Day 1 of the SL vs PAK Test:
100 and Counting…. 💯🚀
Congratulations @iShaheenAfridi on the amazing milestone in your career. Keep rising and striking those stumps 🔥#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/JRLq5HKUKI
— Fawad Alam (@iamfawadalam25) July 16, 2023
According to some cricket experts on twitter spaces today, SL at lunch 65/4 was all because of our bowlers , but SL 242/6 at close of play is all because of Babar Azam’s poor captaincy. 😂#PAKvSL #SLvPAK #SLvsPAK #BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/YzMZAKqNES
— Fahad 🇵🇰 (@fad08) July 16, 2023
Highlights of Day 1 📸 ♥️#PAKvSL #SLvPAK #SLvsPAK pic.twitter.com/rj1zzAmvFE
— Hamxa 🏏🇵🇰 (@hamxashahbax21) July 16, 2023
Imam Imam Imam!!!! Incredible Catch In Last Over Of The Day 🔥🔥🔥
Srilanka 242/6 ❤️#PakvsSL #SLvsPAK pic.twitter.com/iDGKoKXYYl
— King Babar Azam Army (@babarazamking_) July 16, 2023
Highlights of day 1:#WTC25 #PakistanCricket#PAKvSL #PAKvsSL #SLvPAK #SLvsPAK pic.twitter.com/9EEK7B2EMt
— ａｆａｎ⭐♏💜🇵🇰 BA56 STAN👑💜 (@farahzareef) July 16, 2023