ISLAMABAD: Only 86.3 overs’ play was possible in two days with forecast looking even gloomier for the next two days as chances of a decision in this historic first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka look bleak at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.
Just 18.2 overs were bowled on the second day on Thursday with Sri Lanka taking their score from 202-5 to 263-6, adding 61 runs for the loss of Niroshan Dickwella’s (33) wicket.
In what turned out to be a frustrating day’s play for both teams and fans who turned up at the stadium in numbers, play in two brief sessions was only possible with Dhananjaya de Silva (72 not out) making sure his team stay in the hunt for over 300 runs first innings total. Things looked much better for the tourists from the one where they lost some quick wickets on the opening day.
De Silva’s innings was the highlight of second day’s play in heavy overcast Pindi Stadium conditions. Only 35 minutes play was possible before lunch when rain stopped the game. The match resumed after lunch and only 47 minutes’ play was possible when umpires called off the day’s play at 3.30pm Thursday.
Even repeated interruptions by rain and gloomy chances of restart could not subdue fans’ interest that stayed at the stadium in numbers in a hope to watch some action. That action however did come briefly through De Silva’s bat and from teasing line and length deliveries sent in by Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-47). De Silva’s unbeaten 131-ball knock so far includes 11 hits to the boundary.
“It is all about pitching the ball on right track. Once you succeed in doing that you get some response. We have been trying to hit that area,” Shaheen Shah said in a media talk at the end of second day’s play.
He still hoped to restrict Sri Lanka to less than 300 runs. “I still believe we can restrict Sri Lanka to less than 300 provided we stick to our line and length tomorrow.”
Dickwella, who also briefly spoke to the media, was happy with Sri Lanka’s response in the two brief sessions.
“Under demanding conditions we played well. It is always difficult for a batsman to adjust in such situations where you are not sure even of a full over.”
He believed that Sri Lanka were well on course to put pressure on Pakistan batsmen. “Anything around 325 and we think we will have a good chance of putting Pakistan batsmen under pressure.”
Earlier, the groundstaff had to work hard with the help of super-sopper to make the ground ready for the 47 minutes of second session following considerable rain.
Score Board
TOSS: SRI LANKA
SRI LANKA 1ST INNINGS
Karunaratne lbw b Shaheen 59
O Fernando c Haris b Naseem 40
Mendis c Rizwan b Shinwari 10
Mathews c Asad b Naseem 31
Chandimal b Abbas 2
De Silva not out 72
Dickwella c Babar b Shaheen 33
Perera not out 2
Extras (B-5, LB-6, NB-3) 14
Total: (6 wkts; 86.3 overs) 263
Fall of wickets: 1-96, 2-109, 3-120, 4-127, 5-189, 6-256.
BOWLING: Abbas 24-9-56-1, Shaheen 19.3-7-47-2 (nb3), Shinwari 15-4-54-1, Naseem 22-4-75-2, Haris 3-0-12-0, Shan 1-1-0-0, Asad 2-0-8-0.
Match officials: Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Michael Gough (ENG); TV umpire: Richard Illingworth (ENG); Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM).