Colombo Test Day 3: Abdullah Shafique hits maiden double century as Pakistan build strong lead
Cricket
Shafique completed milestone at a remarkable strike rate of 62.11
COLOMBO (Dunya News) – Abdullah Shafique smashed exceptional double century to help Pakistan gain the upper hand on the third day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
The 23-year-old have smashed unbeaten 200 - a knock embellished with 19 fours and four sixes – at a remarkable strike rate of 62.11. It is the first international double-century by the Pakistani opener.
With Shafique and Salman Ali Agha at stumps, the Team Green stood at 444-4, with a lead of 278 runs.
Pakistan rocketed to 273 in the morning session in 71 overs after resumed on 178-2. In the early session, Pakistan lost a key wicket of Babar Azam for 39. Currently, Shafique and Saud Shakeel (32) are on the crease.
On day two, Pakistan eclipsed Sri Lanka's meagre first-innings total of 166 but could not press on as heavy rain allowed only 10 overs of play on the second day of the second test in Colombo on Tuesday.
Having added 33 runs to their overnight total, Pakistan were 178-2 when rain interrupted play, which was eventually called off in the afternoon.
Play will start 15 minutes earlier on Wednesday with Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique (87) and captain Babar Azam (28) hoping to bat Sri Lanka out of the contest.
Pakistan are 1-0 up in the two-test series having won the opening match in Galle by four wickets.
