Karunaratne celebrates after scoring his second Test century
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Sri Lanka found themselves in a disadvantageous position against Pakistan on the first day of the third Test in Pallekele despite opener Dimuth Karunaratne scoring 130.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq would have been pleased with his decision to bowl first as Upul Tharanga was the only other Sri Lankan batsman to make a valuable contribution with 46 runs.
Sri Lanka’s struggles on the first day can be attributed to leg-spinner Yasir Shah as he took four wickets from the 31 overs he bowled.
In fact, Shah was responsible for removing Sri Lanka’s entire middle order as he dismissed Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, skipper Angelo Mathews and Jehan Mubarak.
Despite all this occurring around him, Karunaratne managed to keep his cool and bring up his second Test century. But, Karunaratne soon suffered a lapse in concentration which cost him his wicket as he was stumped by Sarfraz Ahmed off the bowling of Azhar Ali.
Karunaratne’s superb knock of 130 came off 230 balls and included 14 boundaries.
Sri Lanka lost Dhammika Prasad the very next ball and Dinesh Chandimal soon after before Tharindu Kaushal and Suranga Lakmal amassed an unbeaten eight-run partnership prior to stumps being called.
Kaushal finished on 17 off 30 balls, which included three boundaries, while Lakmal remained undefeated on one.
Shah was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Azhar Ali and Rahat Ali claimed two wickets each.
Shah finished with figures of 4-77 off 31 overs
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Sri Lanka ended day one on 272/8 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 04:30 GMT.