Pakistan ‘A’ win first unofficial test to take 1-0 lead

Friday, 15 November 2024 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Khurram Shahzad celebrates taking five Sri Lanka ‘A’ wickets

Isitha Wijesundara being congratulated after Sri Lanka ‘A’ picked up an early Pakistan ‘A’ wicket in the run chase

Sri Lanka ‘A’ beaten by seven wickets

Pakistan ‘A’ took a 1-0 lead in the two-match unofficial 4-day test series, when they beat Sri Lanka ‘A’ by seven wickets to win the first ‘test’ played at Rawalpindi yesterday.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ who were 364-9 overnight failed to add to their overnight score as not out batsman Sonal Dinusha was dismissed for 64, without adding to his score giving pacie Khurram Shahzad his fifth wicket of the innings and his ninth in the match.

Left with a target of 222 to chase Pakistan ‘A’ lost both openers for 32 with Vishwa Fernando and Isitha Wijesundara capturing a wicket each.

However, Player of the Match Ali Zaryab and Mohammad Suleman came together in a third wicket stand of 158 to put the issue beyond doubt.

Zaryab followed his first innings knock of 55 with 83* scored off 125 balls (11 fours), and Suleman contributed 86 off 129 balls (11 fours) before losing his wicket to Wanuja Sahan. Pakistan ‘A’ reached 222-3 in 53 overs to win the contest.

After being dismissed for 115 in the first innings Sri Lanka ‘A’ were always chasing behind Pakistan ‘A’.

The second unofficial test will commence on 18 November at the same venue.