ISLAMABAD: Sri Lanka strengthened their grip on the three-day practice match against PCB Patron’s XI, extending their overall lead to 193 runs at the close of the second day at the Islamabad Club Ground on Thursday.
The visitors reached 121 for six in their second innings, putting themselves in a reasonably good position with four wickets still in hand. Milan Ratnayake was unbeaten on 27, while Kesara Nuwantha had yet to open his account when stumps were drawn.
For the Patron’s XI, young fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar Jr. led the bowling attack with three wickets, keeping the Sri Lankan batters under pressure. The visitors struggled for runs in a low scoring match with none reaching fifty in the second innings.
Ubaid Shah and Saqib Khan chipped in with one wicket apiece as the hosts attempted to restrict the visitors’ second-innings progress and were succeeded in making them earn every run.
Earlier, the Patron’s XI resumed their first innings at 43 for two but could not build a substantial lead, eventually declaring at 151 for eight. Azan Awais top-scored with a fighting 50, providing some resistance against the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Tayyab Arif contributed 30, while Muhammad Taha added 29 to the total. Sri Lanka had declared their first innings at 223 for seven, giving them a useful advantage of 72 runs. Their second-innings effort has since pushed the overall lead to 193, leaving the Patron’s XI with a challenging task heading into the final day.
The three-day fixture is providing valuable match practice to the touring Sri Lankan side ahead of its upcoming Test assignment, while also giving Pakistan’s emerging players an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition.
Sri Lanka 223 for 7 declared (Kusal Mendis 66, Lehru Udara 65, Milan Rathnayake 33 not out, Saqib Khan 2-28, Ali Shabir 2-28, Mohammad Salman 2-52) and 121 for 6 (Bandara 34, Milan Rathnayake 33 not out, Shoiab Akhtar Jr 3-22)
Patron’s squad 158 for 8!declared (Azan Awais 50, Tayyab Arif 30, Mohammad Taha 29, Lahru Kumara 2-16, Silahan Madhushaka 2-32, Milan Rathnayake 2-24).
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