PAK vs SL: 1st Test – Babar Azam, Abid Ali give context to rain-marred game

Pakistan’s return to international cricket as a Test-hosting nation was soured by rain as only 167 overs were bowled across five days. Sri Lanka’s first innings extended to the fifth day of the game while the visitors faced only 97 overs. Pakistan made most of the 70 overs that they batted as Abid Ali and Babar Azam celebrated centuries. Packed-stands on the last day of the match provided a glimpse of what could have transpired had the rain stayed away. The second Test match between these two teams begins on 19th December, Thursday in Karachi.

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Dhananjaya gets to 100

First four days of the Test match allowed only 91.5 overs in which Sri Lanka reached 282/6. Dhananjaya de Silva was hunting for his ton as he resumed the final day on 87 not out. With Dilruwan Perera playing a supporting role, Silva brought up his sixth Test ton with a boundary through the covers. Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne declared the innings with Silva reaching his century.

Abid Ali impresses

With Imam-ul-Haq being benched, Lahore’s 31-year old opening batsman Abid Ali received a Test debut. Grabbing the opportunity fully, Ali went to notch his maiden Test century. He thus became the first player ever to score centuries on both Test and ODI debut. Ali added 87 runs with Azhar Ali for the second wicket. After Lahiru Kumara dismissed Azhar, Babar Azam strode out to accompany Ali.

Azam’s spectacle

Playing his first Test innings on the Pakistani soil, Azam had a wonderful opportunity to play in front of the home crowd. And he did not let it go. Playing exquisite drives, number one T20I batsman in the world showed his tremendous red-ball skills. Smashing a flurry of boundaries, Azam completed 102 runs from just 128 balls with 14 boundaries. Pakistan had played 70 overs when the day’s play ended. The Test ended in a draw as players shook hands.