ISLAMABAD: Patron’s team bowlers produced a disciplined performance to keep Sri Lanka’s batting line-up under pressure, restricting the touring side to 223 for seven before the visitors declared their first innings on the opening day of their three-day practice match at the Islamabad Club Ground on Wednesday.
In reply, Patron’s team reached 43 for two in 15 overs, losing Abdullah Fazal (3) and Sameer Minhas (2), with Azan Awais unbeaten on 19 and Mohammad Taha on 16 at stumps. Sri Lanka, keen to gain valuable match practice ahead of the opening Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9, opted to bat after winning the toss. However, the tourists found scoring difficult against a disciplined Patron’s bowling attack and were reduced to 40 for three.
Fast bowler Saqib Khan led the early assault, removing two top-order batsmen, including Dinesh Chandimal, who departed without scoring, to put the visitors on the back foot. Kusal Mendis and Lehru Udara subsequently provided some stability, staging a recovery through a fourth-wicket partnership that helped Sri Lanka cross the 130-run mark. Both batsmen scored 66 and 65 respectively, giving the visitors some much-needed momentum after their early setbacks.
Their resistance, however, ended with Sri Lanka losing its fourth wicket at 130, allowing Patron’s bowlers to regain control.
Ali Shabir also impressed with the ball, claiming two wickets for 28 runs as the touring side slipped further to 199 for seven. Sri Lanka eventually declared at 223 for seven, with Anjala Bandara unbeaten on 33. The declaration appeared aimed at providing the visitors with an opportunity to test their batting again on the same surface during the remaining period of the match, particularly with the first Test against Pakistan approaching.
Patron’s side, however, suffered an early setback in their response, losing Abdullah Fazal and Sameer Minhas cheaply. Azan Awais and Mohammad Taha then steadied the innings, taking the hosts to 43 for two at the close.
Sri Lankan all-rounder Milan Rathnayake bowled an impressive spell, claiming one wicket for just nine runs as the visitors looked to maintain pressure on the Patron’s batting line-up.
Score: 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)
Patron’s squad 43 for 2 (Azan Awais 19 not out, Mohammad Taha 16 not out, Madhushaka 1-12.
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