The Chase Is on as Pakistan Bat All Day and Approach Sri Lanka’s 419 Total

Day three resumed in the balance today of the Q. Mobile Presents J Junaid Jamshed Cup 2017 test series, with Pakistan returning to the crease on 64/0. Pakistan openers Shan Masood and Sami Aslam scored half centuries before Sri Lanka's spinners hit back to put Pakistan under some pressure. At lunch Pakistan were 121-2 after both openers were removed for 59 and 51 respectively.

Pakistan continued strongly after lunch, adding another 73 runs before tea. Shortly after the tea-break however, Asad Shafiq was dismissed for 39, caught behind by a smart catch at slip by Thirimanne and bowled by Rangana Herath. Azhar Ali also managed to join today’s half-century club bringing his innings to 74 not-out by end of play not far from a century. There was drama at the end of the day’s play when Babar Azam fell to Nuwan Pradeep in the last over of the day for 28, giving Sri Lanka a late gift.

Pakistan remain 153 runs behind Sri Lanka's first innings total of 419, finishing the day on 266-4.

Reviewing day three, Pakistan’s Sami Aslam said:

“It was a hard day for batting due to the heat, with the slow pitch, meaning the ball stayed low. So it was a good effort from our batters to score runs today. However credit to Sri Lanka’s bowlers who bowled really well and didn’t let us score easy runs. ”

Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella reflecting on today’s play said:

“Tomorrow’s opening session will be crucial. The first session’s bowling will dictate how the rest of the game goes. Luckily we got the fourth wicket and we are hoping for a good start tomorrow morning.”

Tickets for the remainder of the 1st Test Match in Abu Dhabi are now free for all spectators. Tickets for the ODI and T20 matches in Abu Dhabi are available to purchase at www.q-tickets.com/sps and at Abu Dhabi Cricket reception at Zayed Cricket Stadium.  

Abu Dhabi Cricket will also play host to Pakistan and Sri Lanka for two ODIs on Monday October 16th and Wednesday October 18th as well as two Twenty20s on Thursday October 26th and Friday October 27th. For further information and for ticket sales please visit www.abudhabicricket.ae.