Silva hit 12 boundaries during his unbeaten knock of 80

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Sri Lanka opener Kaushal Silva scored an unbeaten 80 to keep his side in control against Pakistan on a curtailed second day in Galle.

Silva was well supported by veteran batsman Kumar Sangakkara, who made 50.

The second day started off much like the first with rain delaying the start of play. However, unlike the opening day, where no play was possible, the rain did relent this time around and Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq had no hesitation in bowling first when the toss took place.

Pakistan pace bowler Wahab Riaz provided the early breakthrough Pakistan would have been looking for when Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne was caught behind for 21.

However, Silva and Sangakkara refused to let Pakistan deal Sri Lanka a double blow as they amassed a 112-run partnership, during which both batsmen brought up their half-centuries, before Sangakkara was caught by Younis Khan at slip off the bowling of Riaz.

Sangakkara’s solid knock of 50 came off 106 balls and included two boundaries and a six.

Sangakkara raises his bat after scoring his 52nd Test fifty

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan were only made to wait another six overs before all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez got rid of Lahiru Thirimanne when he spooned a catch to Zulfiqar Babar at mid-on for eight runs.

Silva and Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews had just set about rebuilding the innings with an unbeaten 24-run partnership before the umpires brought play to an end due to bad light.

Silva ended up finishing on 80 off 197 balls, which included 12 boundaries, while Mathews remained undefeated on 10 off 26 deliveries, which included one boundary.

Riaz was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Hafeez claimed one.

Sri Lanka ended day two on 178/3 and will continue batting tomorrow at 09:45 local time or 04:15 GMT.