PAK vs SL: Unstoppable Abdullah Shafique ensures successful record run-chase at Galle

Abdullah remained not-out for 160 runs as Pakistan cruised to an emphatic four-wicket victory

By Web Desk
July 20, 2022

GALLE: Magnificent Abdullah Shafique was unstoppable here at Galle International Stadium as Pakistan successfully completed record run-chase against Sri Lanka in the opening Test of two-match series. 

Match-winner Abdullah remained not-out for 160 runs as Pakistan cruised to an emphatic four-wicket victory against the Islanders. 

Abdullah was about to cheer up his match-winning knock but the rain came in when Pakistan just needed 11 runs to win the first Test. 

22-years-old Abdullah was too closer to jump around for leading the Green Caps to a successful record chase at Galle single-handedly. The young batter remained not out for career-best 154 runs when Pakistani batters had to walk off due to rain.

But, finally, the rain stopped at Galle and the play resumed at 2 pm (PST). Abdullah (154*) and Mohammad Nawaz (12*) stayed calm and successfully scored 11 runs to register a record-breaking victory.

Resuming the last day at 222-3, well-set Abdullah got complete support from Mohammad Rizwan who showed his true potential and seniority to score some quick runs for Pakistan. The two batters looked fresh and composed to score worthy 71 runs off 146 balls together to ensure a smooth 342-runs chase.

Rizwan scored 40 off 74 balls before falling to Prabath Jayasuriya who managed nine wickets in the match. 

Pakistan lost two quick wickets after Rizwan's exit but Abdullah remained in his skin to convert his big knock into a match-winning one. The right-handed batter smashed seven boundaries and a six throughout. 

Also, he became the only fifth batter overall to play 400+ deliveries in the fourth innings of a Test. 

Nawaz remained not out for 19 runs followed by his six wickets in the match. 

For Sri Lanka, apart from Prabath, Ramesh Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva bagged a wicket each in the second innings. 

Earlier on day 4, Abdullah and Pakistani skipper, Babar Azam scored match-turning 101 runs together as Pakistan scored 222-3 at stumps, needing 120 more runs to win. 

For his scintillating knock, Abdullah bagged his maiden man-of-the-match award in Test cricket. 

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