Pakistan’s decision to enter the Rawalpindi Test with only two specialist bowlers appears to be hurting the home side, as Sri Lanka dominated the third day’s play with an impressive batting display.
The visitors resumed their first innings at 114 for 3. Pakistan managed an early breakthrough when Mohammad Abbas dismissed Kamindu Mendis at 155, ending his 90-run partnership with Dhananjaya de Silva.
However, Pakistan’s bowling attack failed to make further inroads as Sri Lanka’s experienced batters took control of the innings. Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on 167, while captain Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 117. The pair put together an outstanding unbroken 249-run partnership, taking Sri Lanka to 404 for 4 at stumps.
The visitors now need just 31 more runs to take the first-innings lead over Pakistan, who declared their innings at 434 for 9 on the second day.
Pakistan’s bowling options under pressure
All four Sri Lankan wickets to fall so far have been claimed by Pakistan’s two specialist fast bowlers, Mohammad Abbas and Saqib Khan.
Pakistan’s limited bowling resources have raised concerns, particularly given the inexperience of the other bowling options in the playing XI.
Razaullah, who made his debut in the final match of the series against England, has played only 10 first-class matches. Meanwhile, Arafat Minhas, selected as a specialist spinner, has taken 22 wickets in 17 first-class appearances.
Pakistan’s First-Innings Performance
Pakistan declared their first innings at 434 for 9, with five batters scoring half-centuries. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 93, narrowly missing out on a century, while Tayyab Arif contributed 57. Arafat Minhas scored 52, Mohammad Taha made 51, and captain Babar Azam added 50.
With Sri Lanka closing in on Pakistan’s first-innings total, the home side faces an increasingly challenging task to regain control of the match. Pakistan’s decision to enter the Rawalpindi Test with only two specialist bowlers appears to be hurting the home side, as Sri Lanka dominated the third day’s play with an impressive batting display.
Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on 167, while captain Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 117. The pair put together an outstanding unbroken 249-run partnership, taking Sri Lanka to 404 for 4 at stumps.
