Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st Test, Day 3: Talking Points

Stumps Called as Pakistan Dominates Day 3 in Galle. The Galle International Stadium witnessed a darkening sky, prompting the umpires to call an end to the day’s play. It was another productive day for Pakistan as they established a commanding position in the Test match after initially struggling at 101/5 in their innings. A remarkable comeback by the visitors was led by Saud Shakeel, whose exceptional double-century propelled Pakistan’s total to 461. A total of 254 runs were scored today with the loss of 5 wickets. Play commenced after a delayed start, with Agha Salman and Saud Shakeel resuming their partnership for Pakistan. Both batsmen displayed positive intent, using their footwork brilliantly. The Sri Lankan bowlers conceded early opportunities, allowing the Pakistan batsmen to narrow the deficit. Kasun Rajitha, in particular, delivered a high number of no-balls during the opening session, failing to build pressure. Shakeel capitalised on the Sri Lankan bowlers’ plight and reached his second Test century in the 56th over.

Sri Lanka finally found a breakthrough when Ramesh Mendis dismissed Agha Salman for 83, ending their 177-run partnership for the 6th wicket. Noman Ali joined Shakeel and together they erased the deficit just before lunch. Sri Lanka exhausted both of their reviews, unable to challenge a decision that could have resulted in Noman’s dismissal. In the afternoon session, Mendis struck early again, dismissing Noman Ali for 25, followed by the wicket of Shaheen Afridi for 9. Despite these breakthroughs, the Sri Lankan bowlers failed to prompt a collapse as Shakeel and Naseem Shah held firm in the last hour of the session. Sri Lanka’s fielding was also below par, allowing Shakeel to register his highest Test score. Naseem played a supporting role and survived the second session.

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With the second new ball, Sri Lankan spinners found some extra turn and bounce, but Shakeel and Naseem guided Pakistan past the 400-run mark. The duo rotated the strike well, while a wagging tail pushed Pakistan’s total further. Ramesh Mendis dismissed Naseem, who had shown great resilience, for 6. Shakeel, unbeaten on 208, continued to accumulate runs and achieved his maiden double-century. Abrar Ahmed played aggressively but perished in the process, leading to Pakistan being bowled out for 461.Ramesh Mendis stood out as the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, taking a five-wicket haul with figures of 5/136. In Sri Lanka’s second innings, skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka survived a tricky period before the fading light prompted the stumps to be called. Sri Lanka still trails by 135 runs at the end of Day 3, facing a challenging task ahead on the following day.