Abdullah Shafique Scores 158* As Pakistan Chase Down Record Total Against Sri Lanka In 1st Test

In the first test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at Galle, opener Abdullah Shafique scored an unbeaten 158 runs in the fourth innings as Pakistan chased down 342 runs with 4 wickets in hand to go 1-0 up in the test series. 

Chasing a huge total, as Pakistan kept losing wickets on day 4, opener Abdullah Shafique held one end. Pakistan captain Babar Azam also scored 55 runs off 104 balls while Mohammad Rizwan contributed with 40 runs. 

In-form spinner Prabath Jayasuriya picked up 4 wickets in the 4th innings but Abdullah's defiance didn't let Sri Lanka clinch the match despite getting this close. 

Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss & opted to bat first against Pakistan in the 1st test. Sri Lanka were restricted to 222 in the first innings with Dinesh Chandimal (76) being the top scorer for the hosts. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi shined with 4 wickets to his name. 

In reply, Pakistan were able to post 218 despite being at 112/8 at one point, courtesy of Babar Azam's stubbornness as he scored 119 runs. Prabath Jayasuriya picked up 5 wickets for Sri Lanka.  

In the second innings, Sri Lanka managed to score 337 runs courtesy of half-centuries from Dinesh Chandimal (94), Kusal Mendis (76) and Oshada Fernando (64), setting a target of 342 runs for Pakistan to win in the fourth innings. Mohammad Nawaz picked up 5 wickets for Pakistan in the second innings. 

Also Read: Scorecard

The second and final test of the series will be played on July 24th at Galle International Stadium, where Sri Lanka would look to level the series while Pakistan would eye a series win. 

Brief Score:

• Sri Lanka - 222/10
• Pakistan - 218/10
• Sri Lanka - 337/10
• Pakistan - 344/6