Facing a goal of 131 runs for victory, Pakistan discovered themselves in hassle at 79-4 after skipper Babar Azam’s dismissal to left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who proved ambitious with figures of 4-56 in the second one innings.
However, Imam-ul-Haq shaped a the most important partnership with Saud Shakeel to stabilize the innings. Despite the chances stacked towards them, Sri Lanka refused to back off, even with a restricted general to shield. Saud Shakeel, who had already inspired with a career-best 208 no longer out within the first innings, contributed 30 runs prior to departing, and Sarfaraz Ahmed (one) could not dangle on for lengthy both.
Yet, Imam-ul-Haq remained steadfast and composed, achieving an unbeaten half-century (50 no longer out). With Agha Salman becoming a member of him on the crease, they sealed Pakistan’s victory in a classy approach. Agha Salman wasted no time and smashed the primary ball he confronted from Jayasuriya over the mid-off boundary.
Saud Shakeel’s exceptional efficiency within the first innings, the place he scored a maiden Test double century, proved instrumental in giving Pakistan a the most important first-innings lead of 149 runs, incomes him the well-merited “Player of the Match” identify.
“The way Saud and Agha played, it totally changed the game,” Babar mentioned regarding their 177-run partnership, which helped Pakistan publish 461 within the first innings.
“It’s not easy to bat in Galle, but the way Saud’s playing is outstanding.”
Sri Lanka’s best order may no longer vindicate their choice to bat first and so they reached 312 of their first innings courtesy Dhananjaya de Silva’s gallant 122.
“We needed to see off that opening spell but we lost a few wickets,” mentioned house captain Dimuth Karunaratne.
“Overall, the bowlers did well, but we dropped a few catches and that cost us. We have to assess what went wrong and come back again.”
The groups transfer to Colombo for the second one and ultimate Test starting on Monday.
(With inputs from Reuters)