Draw in Second Unofficial Test Between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A
The second four-day unofficial test match between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A concluded in a hard-fought draw at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The match was marked by exceptional centuries from Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha and Pavan Rathnayake.
Sri Lanka’s Dominant Batting Display
Resuming on 157/4 in their second innings, Dinusha and Rathnayake displayed impressive resilience and skill, putting together an unbeaten 214-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Dinusha finished with an unbeaten 116, while Rathnayake also remained not out at 100. Sri Lanka A declared their second innings at 260/4, setting Pakistan Shaheens a challenging target of 284 runs in 60 overs.
Read More: Punjab Junior Tennis Championship Features Thrilling Matches
Shaheens’ Chase Cut Short by Bad Light
Pakistan Shaheens began their chase under pressure, quickly losing both openers, Abdul Faseeh (0) and Mohammad Huraira (9), leaving them at 19/2. Mohammad Suleman and Ali Zaryab steadied the ship with a 48-run partnership before Zaryab was dismissed for 31.
Suleman then joined forces with Haider Ali, and together they put on an unbeaten 89-run stand for the fourth wicket. Suleman top-scored with a patient 66 from 121 balls, while Haider Ali contributed a steady 43 not out. However, bad light brought an early end to the match, with Pakistan Shaheens stranded at 156/3 in 45 overs, leaving them unable to chase down the target in time.
Shaheens’ Bowling Inability to Break the Partnership
Pakistan Shaheens’ bowlers were unable to break the critical partnership between Dinusha and Rathnayake, with no wickets falling on the final day. Their failure to make inroads in Sri Lanka’s second innings was a key factor in the match’s drawn result.
Looking Ahead
With the four-day series concluded, the focus now shifts to the upcoming three-match One-Day series between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A. The first ODI is scheduled for November 25, with subsequent matches on November 27 and 29, all to be held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
