Dhananjaya and Afridi Turn Galle into a Theater of Excitement

In the enchanting cricket grounds of Galle, Sri Lanka, a thrilling battle unfolded between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Rain interrupted play on the first day, but amidst the interruptions, both teams engaged in an enthralling tug of war that turned the match into a theater of excitement. This article dives deep into the gripping encounter, highlighting the remarkable performances of Dhananjaya de Silva and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Afridis’ fiery spell and 100th wicket

The day started with intermittent rain, causing delays in the proceedings. However, once the play commenced, it was clear that both teams were determined to seize the initiative. Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi swiftly made his mark by claiming his 100th Test wicket, dismissing Nishan Madushka. Afridi’s fiery spell continued after the rain break, as he sent Kusal Mendis back to the pavilion, caught at second slip, and trapped Dimuth Karunaratne down the leg side.

Despite the early setbacks, Sri Lanka found respite in the form of a resilient partnership between Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva. Mathews, displaying his mastery with a composed knock of 64 runs, unfortunately fell just before tea. However, Dhananjaya’s heroics were far from over.

Dhananjaya’s Unyielding Resilience

Coming to the crease with Sri Lanka reeling at 54 for 4, Dhananjaya showcased his exceptional ability to deliver when his team needed him most. Throughout the day, he demonstrated his unwavering determination and skill, remaining unbeaten on a magnificent 94 off 157 deliveries. His innings comprised crucial partnerships that kept Sri Lanka in the game.

Teaming up with Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya crafted a valuable alliance, adding 131 runs for the fifth wicket. Their partnership provided Sri Lanka with stability and allowed them to recover from the early blows dealt by the Pakistani bowlers. However, just before stumps, Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq executed a sensational catch at short leg to dismiss Samarawickrama, leaving Sri Lanka at 242 for 6.

A Battle of Momentum Shifts

The match witnessed numerous momentum shifts, reflecting the ebb and flow of the contest. When the rain break occurred, Pakistan’s Afridi had showcased his brilliance, but Mathews and Dhananjaya weathered the storm, guiding Sri Lanka to lunch without further setbacks. As the sun emerged after the break, the seamers’ early movement dwindled, and Mathews and Dhananjaya capitalized on the conditions. Together, they accumulated 120 runs in this session, frustrating the Pakistani bowlers.

The middle session predominantly featured spinners Abrar Ahmed and Noman Ali, as the pitch offered limited turn. Mathews capitalized on the situation, rotating the strike with ease. Dhananjaya, on the other hand, assumed the role of the aggressor and launched an assault on Noman, smashing four fours and two sixes, including a memorable inside-out drive over long-off. The run rate accelerated towards the end of the session, as Mathews joined the onslaught, dispatching Agha Salman for consecutive boundaries.

Pakistan’s Late Surge

As rain once again interrupted play in the final session, Pakistan seized the opportunity to regroup. Afridi, displaying his mastery once more, generated lateral movement off the pitch, causing trouble for the Sri Lankan batsmen. Additionally, Abrar’s bowling continued to trouble Samarawickrama. However, it was Salman who made the decisive breakthrough, inducing an edge that was expertly caught by Imam-ul-Haq, ensuring Pakistan ended the day on a high note.