PAK v SL, 2nd Test, Day 2 Review: Sri Lanka post a big total; hosts off to a decent start

Dimuth Karunaratne‘s magnificent 196-run knock, well supported by half-centuries from Dinesh Chandimal, Dilruwan Perera and Niroshal Dickwella, helped their side post a huge total in the first innings. Sri Lanka looked in total control of the second Test and since they’ve almost eradicated the chance of losing this game, a historic triumph is on cards.

Skipper Chandimal wasted no time in getting to his half-century, but he failed to convert his start into a big score. He got dismissed after a hard-fought 64 off 195 balls and in came Niroshan Dickwella. The 24-year-old showed no respect to the Pakistani bowlers as he spanked boundaries at will.

Karunaratne had the best seat in the house and he got some time to relax after scoring so many runs the other day. The duo added 88 runs for the 5th wicket and the scoring rate escalated thanks to Dickwella’s 53-ball 52, which not only condensed the pressure off the lower order but also helped Karunaratne steady himself.

The southpaw got to his 150 with a cheeky single off his inside-edge. Yet, there was some temporary relief here for the Pakistanis as they sent back the dangerous Dickwella. Mohammad Abbas got his inside-edge and the ball went straight into the hands of the keeper. Dilruwan Perera joined Karunaratne to add to the hosts’ misery and another brilliant partnership took Sri Lanka’s score past the 400-mark.

Karunaratne misses out on a double ton

After the lunch break, when Dimuth Karunaratne was heading towards his 200, the entire Sri Lankan camp was elated and it seemed as though he would get there. The 29-year-old looked solid and resolute with his technique and on his way, he also completed 3,000 Test runs. A day which was turning out to be so momentous took an ugly turn and the fans were shattered.

Wahab Riaz managed to find the inside-edge off his bat, which trimmed his pads and slowly approached the stumps to disturb the bails. After missing out on a hundred in the first Test, he fell agonizingly short of a well-deserved double-century. Nevertheless, he walked off a brilliant ovation from the fans and his fellow mates.

Dilruwan Perera played a brilliant innings though and got to a half-century batting with the tail. Rangana Herath offered him brillaint support with a stubborn little innings and this helped him free himself and strike few boundaries. He departed after registering his 6th fifty and Herath somehow helped his side get to 482 before the final wicket fell.

It was a solid effort from the Islanders as their playing standards were under the scrutiny coming into this series. Yet, they fought bravely and got a more-than-decent total on board. Yasir Shah once again was the star for Pakistan, as he picked up 6 wickets giving away 184 runs.

Pakistan off to a cautious start

Sami Aslam and Shan Masood ensured Pakistan was off to a decent, yet cautious start. Skipper Chandimal missed the trick as Sarfraz’s men have struggled against Herath with the new ball. If he was handed the new ball, they could’ve managed a minimum of one wicket, which would’ve put them in the driver’s seat. Pakistan finished day 2 at 51 without losing a wicket and the first session will be utterly crucial for the hosts.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka: 482 all out in 159.2 overs (Dimuth Karunaratne 196, Dinesh Chandimal 62, Dilruwan Perera 58, Niroshan Dickwella 52; Yasir Shah 6/184)

Pakistan: 51/0 in 18 overs (Shan Masood 15*, Sami Aslam 30*)