SL vs PAK | Grit, dedication and by no means say die perspective: Shoaib Akhtar hails Abdullah Shafique’s innings

On the again of Abdullah Shafique’s 160 not out, Pakistan recorded their second highest ever profitable run-chase of 342 within the first Test in opposition to Sri Lanka at Galle.

Shoaib Akhtar calls Pakistan’s victory over Sri Lanka a memorable win. (Courtesy: Reuters)

HIGHLIGHTSAbdullah Shafique’s 160* helped Pakistan chase down 342 runsPakistan have returned to No. 3 spot in ICC WTC deskSri Lanka have slipped to No. 6 place in ICC WTC desk

‘Rawalpindi Express’ Shoaib Akhtar hailed Abdullah Shafique’s innings after Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka within the first Test at Galle International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan rode on Shafique’s unbeaten 160 to document their second highest ever profitable run-chase on Wednesday, when Babar Azam’s males chased down 342 within the first Test in opposition to Sri Lanka to take a 1-0 lead. Pakistan’s highest goal (377) got here in opposition to the identical opponent again in 2015 in Pallekele.

“Memorable win in Galle. @imabd28 kya baat hai yar. What an inning full of grit, determination & never say die attitude,” stated former Pakistan cricketer Akhtar.

Memorable win in Galle. @imabd28 kya baat hai yar. What an inning filled with grit, dedication & by no means say die perspective.

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) July 20, 2022

With their victory within the first Test, Pakistan have returned to 3rd spot within the ICC World Test Championship desk, with solely South Africa and Australia forward of them. Meanwhile, the loss resulted in Sri Lanka shedding their quantity three spot. The Island nation has slipped to No. 6, beneath Pakistan (third), India (4th) and West Indies (fifth).

Pakistan wanted 120 runs to win the match on the fifth day with seven wickets in hand. In the primary half an hour, Sri Lanka misplaced each of their remaining opinions. Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan batted with warning and added 48 runs earlier than Prabath Jayasuriya lastly trapped Rizwan.

Sri Lanka bagged two extra wickets in Agha Salman and Hasan Ali, however victory was on the playing cards for Pakistan as they defeated Sri Lanka by 4 wickets. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will start their second Test on the similar venue on July 24.

— ENDS —