Pakistan ended the 3rd day of the 1st Test match against host Sri Lanka in a commanding position played at Galle International Stadium, Galle on 18th July 2023. Saud Shakeel came at the crease with Pakistan in deep trouble at 73 for 4. Shakeel put pressure on the Sri Lankan spin twin of Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis.
Shakeel and Salman Agha showed intent keeping the scoreboard at a quick pace not allowing them to settle. Shakeel reached his half-century off 69 deliveries and maintained a decent strike rate. It was a superb counterattacking knock as Shakeel and Agha ensured that Pakistan ended the 2nd day at 221 for 5. The start of the third day was delayed due to a wet outfield.
Salman Agha and Shakeel kept the scoreboard ticking with singles and hitting boundaries. Shakeel completed a century off 129 deliveries. Ramesh Mendis eventually got a breakthrough dismissing Agha stumped. Agha and Shakeel added 177 runs for the 6th wicket.
Shakeel looked a little tentative before he was dropped. Shakeel and Nauman Ali stitched another decent partnership to help Pakistan take the lead. Pakistan went into the tea break at 313 for 6.
After the lunch break, Nauman Ali was dismissed by Ramesh Mendis. Shakeel and Nauman Ali added 52 runs for the 7th wicket. Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karaunate took the second new ball immediately. Vishwa Fernando got rid of Shaheen Shah Afridi to pick Pakistan’s 8th wicket.
Shakeel looked solid and gave a strike to Naseem Shah for the last two deliveries of every over. Shakeel was given a chance as veteran Mathews dropped a simple chance. Shakeel attacked the spinners completing 150 off 222 deliveries. Naseem Shah was given out by umpire but on review, it was overturned to not out as it was hitting the bat. Shah and Shakeel frustrated Sri Lankan bowling to keep them at bay.
Naseem Shah‘s resistance ended as Ramesh Mendis hit the timber. Naseem faced 78 deliveries for his 6 runs. Naseem and Shakeel added 94 runs for the 9th wicket. Shakeel hit a boundary to complete a double-century off 352 deliveries. Abrar Ahmed was the final batter to be dismissed caught by Mathews. Shakeel remained not out on 208 to help Pakistan take 149 runs in the first innings.
At the end of the day’s play, Sri Lanka ended at 14 for 0 and still trail by 135 runs. Shakeel became the 2nd Pakistani batter after Younis Khan to score a double century in the Test match. Younis Khan scored a double century against England at the Oval in 2016.
Saud Shakeel’s record in Test matchesÂ
Saud Shakeel had a dream start to his Test career so far. He made his debut during last year’s home series against England at Rawalpindi.
Saud is known for his solid defence and plays according to the situation. He has played so far 6 Test matches with 788 runs with 2 centuries and 5 half-centuries at an average of 98.50.
Shakeel would look to continue his brilliant form in the upcoming Test matches and hope to provide stability during the middle order.
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