Cricket News: Sri Lanka VS Pakistan- Abdullah Shafique leads Pakistan on Day 4

The day remained in Pakistan’s favour, Babar Azam’s wicket being the only good thing that happened for the hosts today. Sri Lanka needs seven wickets on the final day to win the match. 

Pakistan bowlers did a terrific job in taking the final wicket quickly, refraining hosts from adding not more than nine runs to expand the lead further. Sri Lanka posted a target of 342, with Dinesh Chandimal remaining unbeaten at 94. 

In response to the huge target, Pakistan openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq rode on their luck to fetch an 87-run partnership at the opening stand before Ramesh Mendis dismissed Imam-ul-Haq (35). Earlier in the inning, Abdullah Shafique escaped a close LBW call which luckily went in his favour. In quick succession, Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed Azhar Ali (6), following which skipper Babar Azam joined Abdullah Shafique. The duo stitched 101 runs in partnership with Abdullah Shafique raising his stunning 4th inning ton, second in test matches. The pitch started easing up with not much turn or bounce available for bowlers. They both looked to end the day unbeaten as errors started cropping in. However, before the stumps, Prabath Jayasuriya bowled out the big fish, Babar Azam (55), ending the day on a positive note for hosts. Abdullah Shafique will resume the innings from his unbeaten score of 112, with Mohammad Rizwan on the other end. 

Pakistan looks close to winning with just 120 more runs to fetch. However, with a new ball taken at the end of the day, which spins considerably more, the hosts have the power to turn the game. Though seven wickets away, Abdullah Shafique’s wicket will remain vital as it will further expose Pakistan’s fragile middle and lower order. So, Day 5 awaits a thriller with all the results possible.

Live: Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan