Naseem Shah runs amok before rain intervenes

Friday, 29 October 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Pakistan 'A' fast-bowler Naseem Shah is congratulated by teammates after dismissing Sri Lanka 'A' batsman Lasith Abeyratne for 3 on the first day of the first four-day unofficial test at Pallekele yesterday

Sri Lanka ‘A’ struggle to 61/6 on opening day of first four-day unofficial test

Invited to bat first, Sri Lanka ‘A’ were struggling at 61/6 by the close of a rain-truncated first day of the first four-day unofficial test against Pakistan ‘A’s three-pronged pace-attack led by teenage tear-away Naseem Shah at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Play was possible only in the first session, which was restricted to 22 overs, before rain washed out the remainder of the day.

Naseem had an unproductive first spell of five overs where he conceded 21 runs without taking a wicket as the Lankan ‘A’ openers Kamil Mishara and Lahiru Udara batted out the first hour, scoring 36 off 13 overs. However, on resumption after the drinks break, Irfanullah Shah had Udara edging a catch behind the wicket off the first ball to be dismissed for 23.

Oshada Fernando, who replaced him, took the score to 54 in partnership with Mishara before Naseem, returning for his second spell, had Fernando (12) edging a catch to the wicket-keeper Mohammad Haris, who was making his first-class debut at the age of 20.

Khurram Shahzad, the third seamer, joined the party by trapping Sri Lanka ‘A’ skipper Sadeera Samarawickrama LBW for one and followed it up with the wicket of Nuwanidu Fernando (1) off his next over to make Sri Lanka ‘A’ 58/4.

Naseem then struck a double blow in his eighth over by sending back Lasith Abeyratne LBW for 3 and rattling the stumps of Mishara for 20 as Sri Lanka ‘A’ slid to 61/6 when the rain closed in forcing an early lunch. Naseem finished with figures of 3/27 and Khurram had the impressive return of 2/8 off six overs. The match will continue today at 9:45 a.m.

Scores:

Sri Lanka ‘A’ 61-6 (22) at close (Kamil Mishara 20, Lahiru Udara 23, Naseem Shah 3/27, Khurram Shahzad 2/8) v Pakistan ‘A’