Pakistan’s new aggressive method paid wealthy dividends because it bowled out Sri Lanka for 166 earlier than racing to 145 for two in reply on Day 1 of the second Test on Monday.
Pakistan, 1-0 up within the two-match sequence, is in full management regardless of shedding the toss and having to discipline first on the Sinhalese Sports Club.
At a stage, the vacationers have been scoring at 6.5 runs an over, with the 50 developing in 50 balls and the 100 arriving in 101 deliveries.
Abdullah Shafique wanted solely 49 deliveries to achieve his fifth half-century in Tests, whereas Shan Masood raced to his seventh half-century in simply 44 balls.
Asitha Fernando claimed the primary Pakistan wicket to fall, eradicating Imam-ul-Haq for six, earlier than coming again for a second spell and having Masood caught at extensive mid-on for 51.
Shafique, who was dropped by Prabath Jayasuriya off his personal bowling on 42, reached 74 not out at stumps, with captain Babar Azam unbeaten on eight.
Earlier, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed took 4 for 69 and quick bowler Naseem Shah claimed 3 for 41 as Sri Lanka was skittled out by a Pakistan aspect bowling to aggressive fields.
The house staff made a foul begin when opening batter Nishan Madushka was run out for 4 within the third over. Captain Dimuth Karunaratne pushed the ball into the covers and tried a single, however Masood threw down the stumps with a direct hit.
Pakistan was wonderful within the discipline and Masood additionally ran out tail-ender Jayasuriya with a direct hit later, however the injury for Sri Lanka was performed within the morning session because it slumped to 36 for 4.
Sri Lanka was responsible of throwing away wickets. Kusal Mendis hit one straight to cowl on six, Angelo Mathews was caught behind for 9 and Karunaratne dragged the ball onto the stumps after trying an expansive drive on 17.
An 85-run stand for the fifth wicket steadied the innings earlier than Dinesh Chandimal, who had been peppered by brief bowling, hit Naseem straight to mid-wicket on 34.
Dhananjaya de Silva, who shared the massive partnership with Chandimal, top-scored with 57 earlier than falling to Abrar.
An hour’s play was misplaced within the morning as a result of rain and 13 overs have been misplaced within the day.
