Twitter Reactions: Sri Lanka squander promising start as Saud Shakeel’s double ton adds salt to the wounds on Day 3

Saud Shakeel. (Photo Source: ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

After a terrific start with the ball, Sri Lanka were expected to take the lead in the first innings, but the partnership of Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman completely changed the complexion of the game. After losing five wickets in the middle, the visiting team was under extreme pressure as Prabath Jayasuriya looked sensational, and that’s when the partnership of Shakeel and Salman brought Pakistan back into the game.

Notably, their partnership of 177 runs gave Pakistan much-needed momentum in Galle after a poor start. Both cricketers were aggressive in their approach on Day 2, but on Day 3, they turned a bit conservative. Meanwhile, just when Sri Lanka were losing all their hopes, Ramesh Mendis gave the team a much-needed break. Salman was sent back to the pavilion, and that’s when the home side was expected to make a comeback, but unfortunately, that did not work according to the plan.

Shakeel kept the fight going as the 27-year-old hit a phenomenal double century on a pitch that was not easy for the batters to settle down. On top of that, wickets kept falling from one end, which made it even tougher for Shakeel to get going. Despite all the odds, he kept going and eventually helped his team post 461 runs on board and take a healthy lead of 149 runs. This is likely to give Pakistan a lot of confidence as they will be hoping to get the job done in the remaining two days.

Meanwhile, Mendis was fantastic with the ball on Day 3 as the off-spinner picked a five-for to keep Sri Lanka in the game. The home team, nevertheless, was very casual in their approach towards the fag end of the day, and that might hurt them going forward. Meanwhile, with the bat, the Lankan Lions managed to get a steady start. They finished the day scoring 14 without any loss and will be hoping to continue in a similar fashion on Day 4.

Here’s how Twitter reacted –

The day belongs to @saudshak, who brought up a magnificent double 💯 👏

Pakistan have the advantage heading to Day Four with an impressive first-innings lead 🏏#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/PsKnzrizvG

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 18, 2023

Another exhilarating day of cricket in Galle with Pakistan wresting control, courtesy of Saud Shakeel’s stunning double century 💪 #WTC25 📝: https://t.co/qRhuecxfHM pic.twitter.com/ewhK1gwS28

— ICC (@ICC) July 18, 2023

.@saudshak tumbles records in Galle 👏

A dream start to his career as he has amassed 788 runs at an average of 98.5 🌟#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/De1S1AFpWT

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 18, 2023

Saud Shakeel has broken the record for the highest score by a Pakistani in a Test match in Sri Lanka. The previous highest score was 196 by Mohammad Hafeez in 2012#SLvPAK #Cricket pic.twitter.com/IPPNfY2mBU

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) July 18, 2023

From 101/5 ➡ 461

A tremendous fightback from Pakistan led by Saud Shakeel 🔥#WTC25