Galle Test: Match resumed on day two after rain delay

Galle: Pakistan have resumed their first innings on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Earlier, early morning rain had delayed the start of the second day’s play.

It is pertinent to mention that Shaheen Shah Afridi starred as Pakistan dismissed Sri Lanka for 222 but the hosts hit back with two wickets before stumps on the opening day of the first Test on Saturday.

The tourists reached 24 for two at stumps in Galle after losing their openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique.

Azhar Ali, on three, and skipper Babar Azam, on one, were the unbeaten batters with Pakistan still trailing by 198 runs.

Fast-bowler Kasun Rajitha trapped Imam leg before wicket for two and Prabath Jayasuriya bagged Shafique for 13 with his left-arm spin on a day dominated by the bowlers.

Shaheen stood out with figures of 4-58 but Dinesh Chandimal’s attacking 76 and a late cameo of 36 by Maheesh Theekshana gave the hosts a fighting total on a pitch expected to aid spinners.

The hosts were reeling at 133-8 but added 89 runs for the final two wickets including a 44-run stand by Theekshana and Chandimal, who hit 10 fours and one six.

Shaheen wrapped up the innings with the wicket of Theekshana in the final session of play.