Sri Lankan Batters Stage Strong Comeback Against Pakistan Shaheens

• Sri Lanka ‘A’ leads by 221 runs over Pakistan Shaheens on third day of first four-day match.
• Batters lead Sri Lanka’s fightback against Pakistan Shaheens
• At the close of play, the touring side had amassed 364/9.

RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka ‘A’ built a strong 221-run lead over Pakistan Shaheens by stumps on the third day of the first four-day match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, reaching 364/9 with Sonal Dinusha and Vishwa Fernando still at the crease.

The visitors began their second innings from an overnight score of 77/1, led by Nipun Dhananjaya and Ahan Wickramasinghe. However, both were dismissed quickly after adding just 10 runs to their partnership, reducing Sri Lanka ‘A’ to 87/3. Wickramasinghe contributed 53 from 95 balls, while Dhananjaya scored a determined 28.

Captain Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Pavan Rathnayake then steered a recovery, forming a solid 126-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their efforts were briefly thwarted by a middle-order collapse, which saw Sri Lanka ‘A’ tumble from 213/3 to 226/7 with the departures of both set batters. Rathnayake scored a quick 60 off 69 balls, and Sooriyabandara added 64 from 95 deliveries.

Amid the setback, No.9 batter Wanuja Sahan and Dinusha anchored the innings, putting together a vital 130-run stand for the eighth wicket. Sahan top-scored with a notable 73 off 99 balls, while Dinusha remained unbeaten on a patient 62 off 125 balls at the close of play.

For Pakistan Shaheens, Test pacer Khurram Shahzad took four wickets, with Kashif Ali and Mohammad Suleman claiming two wickets each.

Also Read

ICC Unveils New Visual Identity for Champions Trophy 2025

The International Cricket Council has revamped the visual identity for the upcoming...