Pakistan celebrates the return of international test cricket after over a decade in style, defeating touring side Sri Lanka by 263 runs in second and final test match at National Stadium Karachi. The series win by 1-0 led Pakistan to 3rd position in ICC test championship ranking.
This test has become even more memorable for the hosts when Naseem Shah registered himself as the youngest player to take a fifer with Vishwa Fernando's wicket, surpassing Muhammad Aamir's record. Sri Lanka started its innings with 212 for seven with Oshada (102 not out) at the crease but it took just 16 balls for Pakistan on the fifth morning to wrap up Islanders' second innings and sealed the victory.
The 15 minutes of last day of the second test match were a microcosm of the lack of fight Sri Lanka exhibited over the previous two days; no run was added to the overnight total. The first wicket of the day fell down on the first delivery when a fierce Naseem bouncer brushed Lasith Embuldeniya's glove on its way to the wicketkeeper. It was confirmed as a short day when Oshada Fernando, on 102, took a nick to Asad Shafiq off Yasir Shah, leaving 10th and 11th batmen at the crease. In his second and third over of fifth morning Naseem Shah plumbed Vishwa Fernando in front to seal the win.
Naseem Shah at a presser said that Shoaib, Waqar and Shaun Bond inspired him to become a fast bowler; adding that: "I had a tough time in Australia - my mother passed away but I never gave up; Thanks to Almighty, my hard work and patience gave me this (5 wicket-haul) prize". "I am very happy; I achieved this milestone in my home ground and before my home crowd."
Sri Lankan Captain Dimuth Karunaratne said that they gave hard time to Pakistan during first two days but later in the game, they lost patience and tried too many things, which cost them in this match. "Abid appeared hungry for runs and never gave us chance by playing any loss shot and it is a good sign for Pakistan; he said; adding that we felt safe and enjoyed here in Pakistan. "Pakistan is a safe place and other teams can come and play here". "Although Naseem is sixteen, he looked mature and bowled on good line and length; all centurions played Sri Lankan bowlers well".
Azhar Ali said: "I don't understand; why Bangladesh is refusing to play test cricket in Pakistan; they have no reason to refuse the tour. He said that ICC had organized test championship hence it should step in to ensure Bangladesh team must come into Pakistan; urging the Asian teams to support each other.
While praising the innings of Abid and Shan, he said that the record opening partnership helped him to overcome his bad-patch and played a 100 runs knock.
"We have to back Yasir Shah and he is Pakistan's best spinner; we have picked best bowlers from domestic circuit in the side and Naseem has shown his potential but he needs special care as he is young". "Abbas has now got his rhythm and Shaheen's eager to bowl in test cricket will make him good bowler."
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019
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