In a thrilling display of cricket, Pakistan secured a remarkable victory over Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first Test match held at Galle International Stadium on Thursday, July 20. This test series is a part of the prestigious 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC), adding further significance to the triumph.
The win marks Pakistan’s first Test victory in exactly one year and ends a barren run, providing a strong start to the new WTC cycle. The first Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan showcased exceptional performances from both teams, making it a memorable contest for cricket enthusiasts.
On the fourth day of the Test, Pakistan had the challenging task of needing 83 runs to win with only seven wickets in hand. Despite losing three early wickets, the Pakistani team demonstrated composure and resilience, steadily building their score. Imam-ul-Haq was a notable contributor to their victory, who played a crucial role by scoring an impressive half-century amidst the top-order difficulties. His calm and composed performance proved vital in making the chase relatively drama-free for Pakistan.
Sri Lanka faced a challenging start, being reduced to 54-4 in their first innings. However, they displayed a spirited fightback and reached 312 in the first innings. Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, making a comeback to the Test series, achieved a significant milestone by completing 100 Test wickets on Day 1. He ended the first Test against Sri Lanka with five wickets, showcasing his prowess and impact on the game.
In their first innings, Pakistan received a significant boost from Saud Shakeel’s unbeaten knock of 208, greatly contributing to their team’s overall score. Pakistan maintained their lead despite a commendable five-wicket haul by Sri Lanka’s Ramesh Mendis in the first innings. In the second innings, Imam-ul-Haq’s unbeaten fifty further solidified Pakistan’s position. Despite Prabath Jayasuriya’s four-wicket haul in the second innings for Sri Lanka, it was insufficient to tilt the scales in their favour.
ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule Announced, Click Here To Check Full Schedule
This thrilling victory for Pakistan sets the stage for an exciting Test series, with both teams poised to showcase their skills and determination in the upcoming matches. As the WTC continues to witness intense competition, cricket fans eagerly anticipate more enthralling contests between top-class teams vying for supremacy in the game’s longest format.
